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Hi. This is State Representative Terry Brown, with my weekly update, "Talking With Terry."

I've been working hard to find solutions to the foreclosure crisis which continues to take a heavy toll on our working families, our communities and our state's economy. As we work to create good-paying jobs and help Michigan move through this economic turmoil, we have to do everything we can to help families keep their homes.

I believe we must focus on preventing foreclosures, rather than leaving people to pick up the pieces afterward. At two town hall meetings I held in the past year, experts talked about how critical it is for struggling homeowners to take steps early to find out about options they may have to keep their homes.

Last week, I voted for a plan to require lenders to inform homeowners facing foreclosure about such programs and resources. Homeowners need to know there are options available if they are facing the loss of the home they worked so hard to buy. The plan I voted for also requires lenders to send a written notice to borrowers at least 45 days before initiating a foreclosure. This plan is part of a comprehensive approach that my colleagues and I have been taking to solving the problem of foreclosures in Michigan. For example, I previously voted for a plan that bans predatory lending practices such as giving out loans without requiring borrowers to prove that they can repay them.

This new plan provides another tool in the fight against foreclosures, which hurt not only the families that lose their homes, but also hurt our area's chances of attracting new employers and stimulating our economy. Everyone wins when we find solutions that enable homeowners to pay their mortgages and stay in their homes. In Huron and Tuscola counties, we have excellent free assistance available to homeowners who may be at risk of foreclosures.

The folks at the Human Development Commission are very knowledgeable and professional about doing everything they can to help. To take advantage of these services, call HDC at (800) 843-6394. You can also visit the Michigan Housing and Development Authority's foreclosure assistance Web site, Michigan.gov/savethedream.

And remember, it is best to seek out this information as soon as you think you may need it. If you would like to learn more about this foreclosure prevention legislation or my other work at the Capitol, please visit my Web site. The address is house.mi.gov SLASH tbrown. While you are there, you can also sign up for my e-newsletter. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns or questions. You can call me, toll-free, at (888) 254-5284. Or, you can e-mail me at terrybrown@house.mi.gov.

Thank you for listening to "Talking with Terry."

Make it a great day!