How State Laws Allow Debt Collectors to Push Families into Poverty

The National Consumer Law Center released an article called “Still No Fresh Start”. The article discusses how states have allowed debt collectors to push families into poverty by using debt collection laws in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, Maryland did not make the cut and we still fall well below standard.

Many families have not recuperated from the Recession of 2008. Debt buyers and collection industries have the power to seize wages and property to pay their oldest debts.

States can prevent debt buyers from keeping families in poverty by updating their laws. Which, can help society as a whole by maintaining workers in the workforce, helping families to remain together, and reducing demand for unemployment, and social services. This suggestion is not a cure all, but it is a start.

By Francesca Destine