Low-income Californians burdened with high debt could see relief in a package of bills before the state Assembly this week.
Democratic Senator Bob Wieckowski says his legislation would reform the state’s bankruptcy laws, making it easier for people to start over. It would also lower wage garnishments for the working poor.
Opponents include debt collection agencies and a state association of county treasurers and tax collectors. They say the reforms would diminish their ability to collect payments, and result in a loss of revenue for government services.
Wieckowski says the opponents are ignoring an unjust system.
"They don’t want to change anything. The status quo is perfect for them. They don’t want any waves or for those of us to point out that this is unjust. It’s inequitable the way California law is treating average citizens."
The Assembly Appropriations Committee is expected to vote Wednesday on one of the debt relief bills.
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