Bankruptcy reform bill would hurt most those who can least afford it

Bankruptcy reform bill would hurt most those who can least afford it
EDITOR:
As an attorney who has represented local individuals in bankruptcy since the 1980s, I feel compelled to respond to your Sept. 25 editorial on bankruptcy reform.
All empirical data shows that consumer bankruptcy arises primarily from unemployment, catastrophic medical costs, or the budgetary impact of divorce. In this Valley, unemployment has been overwhelming since the closing of the steel mills 25 years ago. Recently, one need only look at the effects of closings at Phar- Mor, Tamco, LTV and other steel related companies. The number of people without health insurance has grown each year, and the divorce rate remains high. Your editorial supports the pending bankruptcy reform legislation despite the fact it makes it harder for honest people who lose their jobs or suffer illnesses to cope with their debts.
The legislation, which most affects modest income debtors, bars some from Chapter 7, reduces the benefits of filing, and concurrently increases the monthly payments required to protect and retain assets in Chapter 13. This legislation is not narrowly drawn and is not aimed at eliminating real abuse. It is aimed at removing access to bankruptcy which is as essential safety net for people with real needs.
Credit card companies, financial institutions, and auto lenders are pushing Congress to pass the bill, arguing that losses due to bankruptcy cost everyone else. This spring, as the number of bankruptcy filings set new records, credit card giant MBNA announced record profits, and its top executive, Al Lerner, was just identified as the riches man in Ohio. These facts are not consistent with the whine of reform supporters. Common Cause has reported that credit card interests gave over $63 million to political candidates and parties while lobbying for the legislation, which explains why it has progressed as far as it has.
The bankruptcy reform bill is a cruel response to the difficult economic reality facing the middle class. We deserve better from Congress.
BRUCE R. EPSTEIN
Boardman
Voters with open minds serve Valley's interests
EDITOR:
I was elated to read the letter a couple of weeks ago titled & quot;Valley voters must choose new plan of action & quot; by R.J. Thornton. What a breath of fresh air after hearing area voters call in to local talk shows in July and voice support for our ex-congressman. Our Valley is finally in a position to move ahead, if the voters make the right choices.
The announcement by GM that area workers in Lordstown will continue making cars in the Valley was a great start. The prospects for my children, who are both graduating in the next four years, finding good jobs and staying in the area are a lot better than when I graduated in 1980. A large number of my classmates had to move out of the area to find jobs as the steel mills and the business that they supported closed.
I have to wonder why the local labor unions and their members continue to endorse, and vote for, any candidate, as long as they are a Democrat. I am a Republican, but do not always vote a straight ticket. Each individual should educate themselves about the candidates and make up his or her own mind.
It was ironic when local Democrats went on a bus tour in July to protest that the Republican-controlled state government has shut out the Democrats. Maybe our Valley should try jumping on the Republican bandwagon for a change, and start reaping some of the economic benefits other parts of the state have enjoyed. Or we can continue the same & quot;victimology & quot; politics we've been fed for the last 20 years.
Wake up Mahoning Valley voters. We have an opportunity to move forward. This election, take a good look at ALL of the candidates.
DAVID SUMMERS Jr.
Austintown