Leading patient advocates launch preterm birth prevention alliance to protect critical access to the sole fda-approved class of therapies to reduce recurrent preterm birth

/in Featured Home - Your Health, Health, Press release, Prevention/by

April 20, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—Today, the National Consumers League (NCL), along with a coalition of patient advocacy organizations dedicated to advancing the health of mothers and infants, announced the launch of the Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance.

Members of the Alliance are joining forces in an effort to preserve patient access to the only Food & Drug Administration-approved class of treatments for pregnant women who have previously had an unexpected, or spontaneous, preterm birth. Together, Alliance members seek to ensure that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) hears concerns from the full range of stakeholders about the potential risks and impact of withdrawal for at-risk pregnant women and their providers.

For the fifth year in a row, the U.S. preterm birth rate has increased (to 10.2 percent of births), and preterm birth and its complications were the second largest contributor to infant death across the country. Preterm birth also represents a significant racial health disparity, with Black women in the U.S. experiencing premature delivery at a rate 50 percent higher than other racial groups throughout the country.

However, in 2020, the FDA proposed withdrawing hydroxyprogesterone caproate, commonly called “17P” or “17-OHPC”, the only FDA-approved class of branded and generic treatments to help prevent the risk of preterm birth in women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth. The FDA is currently determining whether to hold a hearing on the status of 17P, based on conflicting efficacy data from two studies composed of vastly different patient populations, one inclusive of women in the U.S. most vulnerable to preterm birth and one not.

“We’re fighting for a more inclusive healthcare system that gives everyone an equal chance to have the best outcomes possible,” said Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League. “We don’t believe that removing 17P from the market without gaining a better understanding of who could benefit the most from its use is in the best interests of patients, nor their healthcare providers, particularly as there are no other approved treatment options available.”

To date, 14 organizations have joined NCL to advocate for the health interests of at-risk pregnant women and infants, including: 1,000 Days; 2020 Mom; American Association of Birth Centers; Black Mamas Matter Alliance; Black Women’s Health Imperative; Expecting Health; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Montana; HealthyWomen; Miracle Babies; National Birth Equity Collaborative; National Black Midwives Alliance; National Partnership for Women & Families; Sidelines High-Risk National Support Network; and SisterReach.

“As a trained obstetrician and gynecologist, I know firsthand the impact of preterm birth on Black women and birthing people. I also know that racism – not race – is the driving factor leading the disproportionate impact of preterm birth on Black women and birthing people thereby exacerbating systemic inequities in maternal and infant health. To achieve birth equity, which is the assurance of the conditions of optimal births for all people with a willingness to address racial and social inequities in a sustained effort, we must work to protect and uphold a standard of care for spontaneous, recurrent preterm births and ensure it remains accessible and affordable for all who stand in need,” added Dr. Joia Crear Perry, founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative.

The Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance is calling for the FDA to grant a public hearing to fully consider all of the data, additional research methods, and stakeholder perspectives before deciding whether to withdraw approval of this critical class of therapies. The health of America’s moms and babies warrants the utmost care and consideration.

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About the Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance

The Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance is a coalition of maternal and women’s health advocates who share a common concern about the state of preterm birth in the United States and the proposed market withdrawal of 17P, the only FDA-approved class of treatments to help prevent spontaneous, recurrent preterm birth. Formed in 2021 by the National Consumers League, we seek to improve preterm birth outcomes in the United States by maintaining access to safe, FDA-approved treatment options and advocating for more diverse medical research that adequately represents the experiences of women and newborns of color. Women of color need a seat at the table. To learn more, visit www.pretermbirthalliance.org.

Initial support for the Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance is provided by Covis Pharma.

National Consumers League to host first-ever virtual National LifeSmarts Championship April 17-19

/in Consumer Education, Featured Home - Consumer Education, LifeSmarts, Press release/by

April 16, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, the National Consumers League (NCL) has announced the nearly 60 champion teams who will gather this weekend to compete in the first-ever virtual National LifeSmarts Championship.

LifeSmarts (LifeSmarts.org), a consumer education competition that challenges teens in grades 9-12 about personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities, is a program of the National Consumers League (NCL). In LifeSmarts, students compete online and in-person at the local and state levels. Top-scorers progress to their state competitions, and then State Champion teams meet each April to compete in the National LifeSmarts Championship. In 2019, at the most recent National LifeSmarts Championship, Rhode Island’s Barrington High School took home the title.

A year ago, NCL was forced to cancel the 2020 national event due to the coronavirus pandemic, but 2020 State Champion and Wild Card teams are being welcomed back to compete in the rescheduled event, which will take place simultaneously online along with the 2021 program. In all, 33 teams will compete at the 2021 national event and 24 teams will compete for the 2020 title.

The 2020 and 2021 National LifeSmarts Champion teams will be crowned on Monday, April 19.

Complete roster of state champions teams listed below.

Consumer-savvy teens representing 30 states, the District of Columbia, and 11 Wild Card teams, will compete at this year’s event. Throughout the 2020-2021 program year, more than 100,000 teens competed online for a chance to represent their states at the 2021 National LifeSmarts Championship. Players answered more than 3.5 million consumer questions in the online competition.

“We are so proud of our 2020 and 2021 LifeSmarts champions, who have proven themselves to be the best and the brightest of the next generation of consumers,” said Lisa Hertzberg, National LifeSmarts Program Director. “For 27 years, LifeSmarts has been engaging and educating young consumers in a fun format and with a competitive approach. Our program goes in-depth on the issues kids—and young adults—are facing now as consumers and workers.”

The 2020 and 2021 National LifeSmarts Champions and other winning teams will walk away with prizes and $50,000 in scholarships. In addition to placing as a team, individual students have the opportunity to compete for scholarships by demonstrating knowledge in specific program topic areas. The top eight placing teams and top 10 individuals are recognized, as well as the recipients of specialized scholarships.

NCL thanks the sponsors who make the program possible including Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Melaleuca, Toyota, American Express, Intuit, and the Washington State Employees Credit Union.

Event kickoff + competition and weekend activities
When: Saturday, April 17 at 1pm Eastern through Monday, April 19
Where: visit LifeSmarts.org for a link to the conference platform and more information about the program

2020 and 2021 National LifeSmarts Champions will be determined in matches taking place on Monday, April 19

Follow the competition online

Parents and supporters can follow the action at Facebook.com/LifeSmarts and via Twitter: #LifeSmartsNationals

2021 National LifeSmarts Championship Teams
Arizona—Altitude 6.0 – Flagstaff Home Educators
Arkansas—Bryant Hornets 4 – Bryant High School
California—Grizzlies2 – Los Osos High School
Connecticut—Crosby Bulldogs- Crosby High School
Florida—Leto Red – Leto High School
Georgia—Columbia County 4-H Senior Team
Hawaii—Waipahu High School
Idaho—Minidoka County 4-H Teen Association
Illinois—West Chicago Community High School
Kansas—Gardner Edgerton High School
Kentucky—Webster County 4-H
Louisiana—West Feliciana High School
Maryland—TWCA Club
Michigan—Fenton Accounting – Fenton High School
Minnesota—LCWM Blue, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial
Missouri—BHS Falcons – Blair Oaks High School
New Jersey—Montgomery MFJC – Montgomery High School
North Carolina—CATA Cougars, Central Academy of Technology and Arts
North Dakota—Bottineau High School
Oklahoma—Tiger 2021 – Pryor High School
Pennsylvania—Cumberland Valley High School
Rhode Island—East Greenwich High School Avengers
Tennessee—Putnam County 4-H
Texas—Bartlett FCCLA – Bartlett High School
Virginia—Econoponax – Massaponax High School
Washington—Selah FCCLA – Selah High School
West Virginia—JMHS Marketing – John Marshall High School
Wisconsin—Belleville High School
4-H Wild Card 1—Gordon County 4-H, Georgia
FCCLA Wild Card—Muleshoe Mules – Muleshoe High School, Texas
4-H Wild Card 2—Madison County 4-H, Georgia
Varsity Wild Card 1—North East High School, Pennsylvania
FBLA Wild Card—West Carteret High School FBLA, North Carolina

2020 National LifeSmarts Championship Teams
Arizona—Altitude 5.0 – Flagstaff Home Educators
DC—McKinley Technology High School
Florida—Duval 4-H Diplomats
Georgia—Oconee County 4-H
Illinois—West Chicago Community High School
Kansas—Iola High School
Louisiana—West Feliciana High School
Minnesota—Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial
Missouri—Husker Varsity 1 – Lafayette County C-1 High School
North Carolina—North Carolina Leadership Academy
North Dakota—Jamestown High School
Oklahoma—Pryor High School
Pennsylvania—Dallas High School
Rhode Island—Barrington High School Blue
Texas—Biz-e-Teen – Midcities Montessori
Virginia—Econoponax – Massaponax High School
West Virginia—The Voluntolds – John Marshall High School
Wisconsin—Tomahawk High School
4-H Wild Card—Rockdale County 4-H, Georgia
FCCLA Wild Card—Niangua High School FCCLA, Missouri
Wild Card 1—Waipahu High School, Hawaii
Wild Card 2—Gwinnett County 4-H , Georgia
Wild Card 3—Sunrise Christian Academy, Kansas
Wild Card 4—4-H Y’all – WIT Home Educators, Virginia

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About the National Consumers League and LifeSmarts

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit: www.LifeSmarts.org, email LifeSmarts@nclnet.org, or call the National Consumers League’s communications department at (202) 835-3323.

NCL statement on pause on J&J vaccine distribution

/in Coronavirus, Featured Home - Your Health, Health, Press release/by

April 14, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) commends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their concerted efforts to promptly address recent adverse events observed by the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The decision for a momentary pause in distribution for the vaccine was enacted out of “an abundance of caution” on part of the CDC and FDA, following reports of 6 severe cases of a rare form of blood clots observed in young women, ranging from ages 18 to 48, roughly one to three weeks after receiving the shot.

Due to its ease of transport and one-shot delivery, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is the most accessible and convenient vaccine presently on the market. The vaccine has been administered to more than 7 million Americans, with tremendous success. The measure to pause distribution to gather additional evidence is demonstrative of proper coordination between our most essential public health agencies.

The reports of adverse events experienced by patients who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are concerning, and NCL appreciates the efforts by public and industry partnerships to identify and resolve the situation. NCL has long advocated for vaccine safety and consumers need to feel confident that they are safe, especially in the midst of a mass vaccination campaign.

All three COVID-19 vaccines on the market have been shown to be effective against preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization from COVID-19. The incidence of adverse outcomes is very rare and should be put into context with the overwhelming benefits of the vaccine to prevent very serious effects of COVID transmission. Consumers should rest assured that vaccines are effective measures to protect public health and are vital to national efforts in ending the pandemic.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Recognizing 2021 Black Maternal Health Week

/in Featured Home - Your Health, Health, Press release, Prevention/by

April 12, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds the resolution introduced by Representative Alma Adams, (NC-12), Representative Lauren Underwood (IL- 14), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) designating April 11-17, 2021 as national Black Maternal Health Week.

The dismal state of maternal and infant health disparities in the United States continues to disproportionately impact black women and babies. In 2020, the rate of pre-term births—the second largest contributor to infant death in the United States—increased to 10.2 percent of births. Black women experience premature delivery at a rate 50 percent higher than all other American women. To address this disparity, in June 2020 NCL led a coalition of organizations in advocating for the FDA to protect patient access to a critical therapy for pregnant mothers at risk of recurrent preterm birth—lack of access to this therapy could disproportionately and negatively impact women of color.

NCL has long advocated for policies to improve maternal health outcomes and sought to address the persistent racial and ethnic health disparities that lead to adverse birth outcomes for black women. NCL is proud to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, a package of 12 bills intended to comprehensively address the maternal health crisis that disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and women of color in this country. NCL also applauded a provision within the American Rescue Plan that allows states to extend Medicaid coverage to women for up to one year after childbirth. This provision to expand postpartum care is vital to improving maternal health outcomes for our most vulnerable moms.

“In order to address the maternal mortality crisis in this country, we need to recognize the link between structural racism and the social determinants of health that contribute to the disproportionately high rate of maternal mortality among Black women. This resolution designating Black Maternal Health Week is an important step in supporting policies to improve maternal health outcomes for Black Mamas,” said NCL Health Policy Director Jeanette Contreras.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement on SCOTUS decision in Facebook Inc. v. Duguid

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April 6, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) today urged Congress to act swiftly to address the loophole in federal consumer protection law that was created by the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Facebook v. Duguid. The following statement is attributable to NCL Public Policy Manager Sarah Robinson:

“We are disappointed to see the Supreme Court’s decision narrowing the federal robocall ban. It is clear that Congress must act to update our laws to reflect technological changes and protect consumers from these intrusive practices.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL supports Bessemer, AL Amazon workers’ right to organize

/in Compensation / Wages, Featured Home - Workers Rights, Labor, Press release, Workplace safety/by

March 26, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League has issued the following statement:

Since our founding in 1899, the National Consumers League (NCL) has supported the right of workers to organize and form unions. In our fight for labor and consumer protections, our work has continued to champion these fundamental rights.

In keeping with that mission, NCL is aware of the efforts of workers at the Amazon plant in Bessemer, AL to form a union and supports the workers’ right to do so. The employees are seeking a stronger voice in controlling the pace of work, productivity expectations, and other matters such as breaks and concerns about physical demands.

We have partnered with Amazon on issues of great import to consumers, including fighting fraud and supporting financial literacy for teens and appreciate the company’s dedication to those concerns and its pledge to support a $15 an hour minimum wage nationally, not only for its workforce but for every hourly worker. President Biden has called the Bessemer, AL election a “vitally important choice” for workers. We agree and hope that Amazon honors that choice.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

National Consumers League applauds confirmation of Marty Walsh as U.S. Labor Secretary

/in Featured Home - Workers Rights, Labor, Labor policy, Press release/by

March 23, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL), America’s pioneering consumer and worker advocacy organization, welcomes the Senate confirmation of Marty Walsh as U.S. Labor Secretary. Walsh will be the first Labor Secretary in more than 50 years with a union background. During his confirmation hearing, Walsh spoke out against systemic racism and pledged to do the hard work of enacting policies that address the issue. “It’s not simply just throwing fancy words out there, but in policies, it’s actually doing the work, rolling up our sleeves,” he told Senators.

The following statement is attributable to NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

We look forward to Marty Walsh’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Labor. His background as a union leader in the building trades and as a former state legislator and the mayor of Boston will suit him well for the position. In recent years, we have seen worker rights and worker protections seriously eroded; Marty Walsh will fix that. He will restore badly needed protections and support workers’ right to collective bargaining.

Walsh was a proponent of Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which passed the House last year. It would add labor protections for workers and make it easier to organize. He will work to ensure that the labor inspectorate is revitalized and he will restore the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as an entity that safeguards the health and safety of workers. He is also a supporter of raising the minimum wage, which has not kept up with inflation and should receive a major increase.

The National Consumers League works closely with the Department of Labor in pursuing strategies to reduce global child labor. We know that Walsh views the exploitation of children in child labor and the forced labor of children and adults as a human rights abuse that deserves concerted action. We look forward to Marty Walsh’s leadership at this vital cabinet position as the nation emerges from a dreadful pandemic that has impacted so much of the American workforce.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

National Consumers League releases its top 10 food and nutrition policy priorities for 2021

/in Featured Home - Food & Nutrition, Food, Food policy, Press release/by

March 23, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—As the food and nutrition policy debate ramps up at the federal level, the National Consumers League (NCL) today released a 10-step action plan to address the explosion of food-related diseases in the United States and the unprecedented hunger and food safety challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced at a time when policymakers must confront a series of crises affecting the health and nutritional status of the American public, NCL’s action plan focuses on implementing policies that will improve food safety, reduce food insecurity, and address food waste while also removing the pervasive roadblocks that keep consumers from making more informed food and beverage choices. Due to these barriers, research studies show that Americans, on average, consume 50 percent more sodium per day than health experts recommend, more than 80 percent have dietary patterns that are low in vegetables, fruit and dairy, and only 23 percent consume amounts of saturated fat consistent with the limit of less than 10 percent of calories.[i]

“Effective policies are necessary to overcome the fragmented food supply chains, child hunger, food waste, and food safety challenges caused or amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic,”said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s Executive Director. “At the same time, the threat of food-related disease requires the sustained attention of the advocacy community. This is why NCL will intensify its education and advocacy in 2021 to advance healthier eating, improve food safety, reduce food insecurity, and elevate food waste as a consumer issue.”

Serving as the consumer voice in championing policy solutions that will have a direct impact on the American public, NCL will focus its efforts these ten priorities:

  1. Elevate portion control and balance as a consumer issue

NCL will advance the recommendations contained in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to achieve a healthy balance of food choices through education and advocacy that emphasizes portion control and ensures consumers know the recommended daily intake of calories is 2,000 per day.

  1. Reduce excess sodium in the diet

Because excess sodium in the diet can raise blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, NCL will encourage consumers to flavor foods with herbs and spices and choose products with reduced or no salt added, thereby advancing the goal set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day.

  1. Improve the labeling of alternative sweeteners

NCL is supporting a Citizen’s Petition to FDA to ensure transparent labeling of novel sweeteners and has joined with other consumer groups in urging FDA to stop misleading claims, such as “No Added Sugars,” “Zero Sugar,” and “Reduced Sugars,” that imply a new product is healthier than the original without disclosing that the sugar reduction resulted from reformulation with artificial substances and sugar alcohols.

  1. Make Alcohol Facts labeling mandatory

Continuing a fight launched in 2003, NCL and other consumer, public health, medical, and nutrition organizations will urge the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade (TTB) to issue rules requiring an easy-to-read, standardized “Alcohol Facts” label that lists the ingredients in all beer, wine, and distilled spirits products. Currently, TTB has opted for voluntary labeling, and the result is that many products remain unlabeled or carry incomplete labeling information.

  1. Require labeling of caffeine content

Because FDA only requires that food labels disclose there is added caffeine in a food or beverage, NCL will press the agency to require that all products containing caffeine be required to list the amount per serving and per container. This will make it easier for consumers to know how much caffeine they are consuming from different products so they can stay below the 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day level that FDA has determined is not generally associated with dangerous side effects.

  1. Modernize food standards of identity

Because many “standards of identity” — recipes for what a food product must contain and how it is manufactured — are now 75 and even 80 years old and out-of-date, NCL supports FDA’s action plan to modernize food standards of identity. NCL is also calling attention to several food products — such as olive oil, Greek yogurt, and canned tuna — where issuing new or updated standards of identity are needed now.

  1. Revise the definition of the term “Healthy” and front of pack food labeling symbols

While supporting FDA’s decision on modifying how “low fat” will be calculated as part of the agency’s criteria for when a food can be labeled as “healthy,” NCL will press FDA to address if and how added sugars content is calculated. NCL will also encourage FDA to adopt a “Traffic Light” labeling system to depict “healthy” on the front of the package.

  1. Strengthen the food safety system

NCL will work to make improvements in the nation’s food safety system, including pressing to expand pathogen testing in meat and poultry products and to finalize FDA’s Food Traceability Proposed Rule, which would establish a standardized approach to traceability record-keeping.

  1. Reduce the amount of food waste

Every year, about 90 billion pounds of food goes uneaten in the United States, with huge environmental and food insecurity consequences.  To change this food waste crisis, NCL will raise awareness of food loss and waste and inform consumers about how they can reduce food waste in their homes and when they go out to eat.

10. Increase funding and access to federal nutrition programs

NCL will work to make permanent the 15 percent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase now included in the American Relief Plan, while also pressing for additional funding for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
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Days before crucial deadline, NCL joins 300+ groups call for Congress to rescind ‘Fake Lender’ rule that facilitates predatory loan schemes

/in Consumer policy, Consumer Protection, Featured Home - Consumer Protection, Personal finance, Press release/by

Only a majority vote in Congress would be needed to overturn rule that helps triple-digit interest rate loans evade state and voter-approved interest rate caps and spread across the country

March 23, 2021

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—With just a few days left before a crucial deadline, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined a broad coalition of 324 organizations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia calling for Congress to eliminate a Trump-era regulation that took effect in December and could “unleash predatory lending in all 50 states.” The rushed “fake lender” rule, which was issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), would facilitate “rent-a-bank” schemes whereby predatory lenders launder their loans through a few rogue banks, which are exempt from state interest rate caps, through a superficial partnership meant to evade critical predatory lending rules. *Linked here and included at bottom is the coalition’s letter to Congress.

“States across the country have passed laws to protect their citizens from predatory lending. This harmful rule undoes that progress,” said Sarah Robinson, Public Policy Manager at the National Consumers League.  “We call on Congress to protect consumers from these types of predatory loans that target vulnerable communities and seek to trap borrowers in a cycle of debt.”

As was done more than a dozen times under President Trump, this Congress could use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind recently finalized regulations, including the OCC’s “fake lender” rule, with just a majority vote in both chambers, limited debate, no filibuster, and the president’s signature. However, to be considered, there is a strict deadline for CRA resolutions to be introduced, estimated to be April 4. With spring recess coming up, the practical deadline is likely the end of this week. A CRA of the OCC “fake lender” rule has not yet been introduced. These resolutions also must be voted upon by a certain date, currently estimated for sometime between May 10 and May 21.

The coalition of signatories to the letter consists of 325 groups, including civil rights, community, consumer, faith, housing, labor, legal services, senior rights, small business, student lending, and veterans organizations representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The letter states that “[t]he rule replaces the longstanding ‘true lender’ anti-evasion doctrine with a ‘fake lender’ rule that allows lenders charging rates of 179 percent or higher to evade state and voter-approved interest rate caps merely by putting a bank’s name on the paperwork – just as payday lenders were doing in the early 2000s.”

The groups warn, “These lenders charge triple-digit interest rates, target the financially vulnerable and communities of color, and trap consumers in devastating cycles of debt…. Currently, there are only a few of these rogue, predatory lenders, but they will spread to all 50 states if the OCC rule is not overturned.”

A 2-pager explanation of the “fake lender” rule is here.

*Links are no longer active as the original sources have removed the content, sometimes due to federal website changes or restructurings

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
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National Consumers League applauds House passage of American Rescue Plan

/in Coronavirus, Featured Home - Your Health, Personal finance, Press release/by

March 10, 2021
Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds the House of Representatives’ action to approve President Joe Biden’s relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan.

“The American Rescue Plan is a monumental relief package and critical antipoverty measure that will give desperately needed support to average Americans who have been devastated by COVID-19, including sending out $1,400 checks and funding states’ efforts to streamline and speed up vaccine distribution. This is a much-needed measure, and we are grateful to the Administration and Congress for their round-the-clock work in getting this essential support into the pockets of hard working Americans,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg.

With the 220-211 House vote, the bill will go to the President’s desk for signature. NCL applauded specific measures included in the legislation:

  • $300 federal boost to weekly jobless payments and extension of two key pandemic unemployment benefits programs through September 6.
  • Expansion of the child tax credit to up to $3,600 per child and $3,000 for each child under age 18 . Currently, families can receive a credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17.
  • The first $10,200 worth of benefits payments are tax-free for households with annual incomes less than $150,000.
  • The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits to freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors.
  • The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, which increases the duration of payments for those in the traditional state unemployment system.
  • $350 billion in relief to states, local governments, territories. and tribes.
  • $10 billion Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund.
  • 15 percent increase in food stamp benefits through September (it was previously set to expire at the end of June).
  • $880 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, to help increase participation and temporarily improve benefits, among other measures.
  • $30 billion to help renters and landlords weather economic losses.

“It’s a great relief that passage of the bill comes ahead of a Sunday deadline, when a federal boost to unemployment benefits was set to expire,” said Greenberg.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
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