Testimony: Protecting Americans from Debt Traps by Extending the Military’s 36% Interest Rate Cap to Everyone

On July 29, 2021, Ashley Harrington testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing on "Protecting Americans from Debt Traps by Extending the Military's 36% Interest Rate Cap to Everyone." Her written testimony as well as her oral remarks are available for download. Watch the recorded hearing:

Overdraft Fees Cause Financial Exclusion; Policymakers Must Act

This statement was entered for the record for the July 21, 2021 hearing on “Banking the Unbanked: Exploring Private and Public Efforts to Expand Access to the Financial System” before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions. Download the testimony above or view a webcast of this hearing.

Testimony: To Help Communities of Color and Spur Economic Recovery, Student Debt Cancellation Must be a Part of the Solution

From the testimony delivered by Julia Barnard at the Department of Education's June 23rd hearing: Good afternoon. My name is Julia Barnard, researcher and student loan team co-lead at the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a national advocacy organization focused on fighting predatory lending. I am here to deliver a statement on behalf of the Center for Responsible Lending. Even...

Testimony on Loan Forgiveness and Other Challenges of the Paycheck Protection Program

On June 17, 2020, Ashley Harrington testified before the House Small Business Committee. This written testimony focuses on: Presenting an overview of the disproportionate economic impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis. Discussing issues with the structure and implementation of the PPP and how they served to limit access for the smallest businesses and businesses owned by people of color. Highlighting...

Testimony on Rent-A-Bank Schemes and New Debt Traps

Borrower story from the testimony of Graciela Aponte-Diaz: California borrower story: I currently have an installment loan in the amount of $2600.00 from Speedy Cash . . . . At the same time, I also have [x] $300.00 payday loans from [x] different storefronts in my neighborhood, including Speedy Cash. So basically, I have both a $300.00 payday loan from...