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Advocate Andy
Tennessee Physicians Express Alarm Following Indiana Abortion Case
Doctors say aggressive enforcement of Tennessee law could hinder patient-centered healthcare. Following a case in Indiana where an ob-gyn provided an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim and was subjected to a fine and aggressive pursuit by the state's Attorney General, Tennessee doctors are speaking out and raising concerns about what Tennessee's abortion restrictions could mean for patients seeking care.
Citizens Bank Fined $9 Million for Mishandling Credit Card Disputes
Bank failed to provide refunds to customers and ignored fraud complaints. Citizens Bank, large, regional bank with headquarters in Rhode Island, has been fined $9 million by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for its improper handling of customer credit card disputes. The misconduct by Citizens includes improperly dismissing fraud complaints and failing to provide refunds to customers even when it was established those refunds were owed.
Nonprofit Names 2023 Public Schools Hall of Fame Award Recipients
Honorees include educators and organizations making a difference in public education in Nashville. The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) has announced the winners of the 2023 Public Schools Hall of Fame awards. The winners include both educators and organizations making a positive impact on Nashville public schools.
Consumer Group Applauds Regulator for Work on Racial Equity
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau commended for tackling economic justice issues. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen is applauding the work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in advancing an agenda that promotes racial equity in the financial marketplace.
Nonprofit Groups Push for Focus on Youth Issues in Nashville Mayor's Race
A coalition of nonprofit groups operating under the umbrella of the Nashville Child & Youth Collaborative is calling on candidates in this year's mayoral election to focus on issues impacting the city's youth.
Three States Take Action Against Fintech Lender SoLo Funds
Investigations find app-based lender charging interest rates in excess of 500% for short-term loans. California, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia have all taken action against fintech lender SoLo Funds as a result of the app-based, peer-to-peer lending outfit using "tips" to disguise the true cost of its loan products. Investigations by regulators in all three jurisdictions found SoLo charging interest rates in excess of 500%.
Education Department Awards More than $500 Million in Career Readiness Grants
Grants fund programs at middle and high schools designed to help students prepare for college and careers. The Tennessee Department of Education has announced the award of $560 million in grants across 182 sites to fund "Innovative School Models" designed to prepare students for a future after K-12 education.
Consumer Advocates Call on California to Rein-in Triple Digit Interest Rates on Earned Wage Access Loans
Groups applaud move to regulate fintech lenders, call for greater consumer protections. A pair of consumer advocacy groups is calling on the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to take steps to rein-in interest rates on so-called Earned Wage Access loans.
Lee Promotes Tennessee as Nuclear Energy Leader
Governor says nuclear power is key to America's clean energy future. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is taking steps to promote the state as a potential leader in providing clean energy by way of accelerating the development of nuclear power here.
Growing Coalition Opposes Ending Key Consumer Protections
Advocacy groups across the political spectrum unite to oppose HB 73, a bill that would end consumer protections around lawsuit funding. A coalition of groups with diverse political perspectives has emerged to oppose HB 73, legislation that would change the landscape of the legal financing industry and remove some key consumer protections.
School Safety Package Includes Funding for Officers, Training
Lee advances plan with funding designed to keep schools safe. Gov. Bill Lee recently signed a package of legislation designed to enhance school safety in the wake of a deadly shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. The bills include funding for additional School Resource Officers (SROs) as well as Homeland Security officers in each school district. There is also funding including to provide training to private security officers who work in schools.
Lee Signs Bills Representing $400 Million in Tax Cuts
Measures represent largest single-year tax cut in state history. Gov. Bill Lee this week signed a series of bills into law that represent a total of $400 million in tax cuts for Tennessee families and businesses. The most significant is a three-month grocery tax holiday beginning August 1st.
SoLo Funds Plans Return to California Market
Fintech lender previously offered loans with interest rates exceeding 500% APR. Fintech lender SoLo Funds has announced a settlement with the State of California that the company says will allow it to resume doing business in the state. SoLo had previously been flagged by California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) for offering online loans with interest rates that exceeded 500% APR.
Coalition Calls on Legislature to Pass Gun Reform
Students join with pastors to advance gun safety agenda. A coalition of students and pastors operating under the banner Protect Kids, Not Guns held a rally at the Capitol this week to urge the General Assembly to pass key gun safety reforms at an upcoming special legislative session called by Gov. Bill Lee.
District of Columbia Takes Action Against SoLo Funds for Charging 500% Interest Rate on Loans
Fintech lender attempted to use "tip" model to evade interest rate cap. The Attorney General of the District of Columbia announced a settlement with fintech lender SoLo Funds that includes a financial penalty, restitution for consumers impacted by the companies practices, and an agreement to comply with applicable lending laws going forward.
Consumers at Risk for Fees from Fake, Unauthorized Bank Accounts
Federal regulator now taking action to prevent these scams. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is now taking action to protect banking consumers from fee harvesting conducted when banks reopen previously closed accounts in order to assess and collect fees.
Consumer Groups Highlight Importance of Strong Federal Watchdog
Advocates urge Supreme Court to uphold funding for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A collection of consumer advocacy groups is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the current funding structure of the key federal watchdog agency in the consumer finance marketplace. The groups, including Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) are highlighting the work of the CFPB while also pointing to broad implications if the funding structure is overturned.
Senate Democrats Pledge to Push Comprehensive Gun Safety Reform
Lawmakers welcome August special session on guns, public safety. As Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has set the date for a special legislative session on gun violence for late August, Senate Democrats are suggesting a comprehensive package of reform bills to help prevent mass shootings.
Advocacy Group Calls for Defense of Consumer Bureau
Economic justice group cheers Solicitor General's case in favor of controversial funding model. An advocacy group focused on economic justice is commending the U.S. Solicitor General for a recently filed brief defending the constitutionality of the funding mechanism used to support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
State Revenue $1.5 Billion Over Projections
Tennessee continues to collect revenue at a rate far outpacing projections. According to the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration's most recently-released revenue numbers, the State of Tennessee has collected $1.5 billion above its revenue projections for the current fiscal year. These numbers put the state on track to have a total surplus in excess of $2 billion.
Advocate Andy
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Andy Spears is a middle Tennessee writer and policy advocate. He reports on news around public policy issues - education, health care, consumer protection, and more.
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