For Immediate Release
December 5, 2007
Contact:  Lisa Landis
Legislative Assistant
717-787-6709
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Senate Committee considers mortgage reform bills

Over the last several weeks, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee has approved several pieces of legislation that are part of a mortgage reform package.

These bills were developed in conjunction with the state Department of Banking following a study of residential lending, trends in foreclosures, and lending practices that are harmful to consumers. Among other provisions, Senate Bills 483, 484, 486, 487 and 488 would:

• Create new categories of licenses for mortgage originators
• Provide public access to information on fines levied against licensees
• Provide closer monitoring of mortgage foreclosures so they can be tracked to identify trends in the mortgage business and allow recommendations to be made on how to further protect consumers

Given the situation many people, including constituents of the 36^th District, have found themselves facing following the bankruptcy filing of OPFM, Inc., I am very pleased to see the Senate moving forward on this important issue.

Legislation would prohibit using soldiers' images for profit

This week, the state Senate also approved legislation which would prohibit the use of the name or likeness of a fallen soldier for commercial profit.

It is a sad fact that several groups seeking to convey their messages have been exploiting families who have lost loved ones serving in the military by using those soldiers' pictures to make their points. In most, if not all, cases, these groups are doing so without the families' consent and without sharing the profits with the soldiers' estates.

Such action only adds to a family's grief when it is already trying to cope with the loss of the soldier, who gave his or her life for our security and protection. For that reason, Senate Bill 1125 would make it a misdemeanor to publish for commercial purposes a fallen soldier's name or image without the family's consent. It would also preserve the family's right to file a civil suit to protect their privacy and attach any proceeds.

I have the deepest respect for those individuals serving this state and this country in the military, and I believe it is only right that we ensure that their sacrifices are honored with the same respect. The unanimous Senate passage of Senate Bill 1125 demonstrates our appreciation of our military, and I hope that the state House of Representatives will now move to do the same by considering this bill.

Local Medicare Part D meetings being held

The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D will close on December 31, and several local meetings can help consumers choose the option that best meets their specific medications and other needs.

The state Department of Aging is conducting these meetings for individuals who are choosing a plan for the first time as well as those who would like to switch plans. Counselors will be available to assist with comparisons, to provide tips on saving money during the coverage gap, and to facilitate online enrollments.

Anyone who is interested in taking advantage of these meetings can call the county Office of Aging for locations of Medicare Part D Enrollment Centers. The Lancaster County Office of Aging can be reached at 150 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, 17603, 717-299-7979, and the Chester County Department of Aging Services at 601 Westtown Road, P.O. Box 2747, West Chester, 19380, 610-344-6350. Medicare beneficiaries may also contact APPRISE, which offers information and assistance with Medicare, toll-free at 1-800-783-7067.