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AFSA News Briefs
A weekly executive summary of AFSA initiatives and consumer credit articles.
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Industrial Bank Resource Center
Background Information on Industrial Banks, including FAQs and articles
Industry News

  • Activists Touchy About Contactless Payments
    July 25, 2008

  • The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, and Consumer Action recently wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asserting that the privacy and security challenges of contactless payments should be tackled before consumers adopt contactless payment systems

  • Fed Loan Rules Fall Short of Proper Audience
    July 25, 2008

  • The Federal Reserve recently released new rules for home mortgage loans that are designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous lenders and prevent another credit crisis,....

  • Financial Literacy Dropping Among Students
    July 25, 2008

  • A 2008 test reveals that financial literacy among students throughout the United States is on the decline, with only 48 percent of the test's questions answered correctly. In 1997,.....

  • Repossessions Flower as Economy Withers
    July 25, 2008

  • Approximately 1.6 million vehicles may be repossessed in 2008, according to Manheim.

  • New Law: Gift Cards Good for 5 Years
    July 17, 2008

  • Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed into law a series of bills mandating that stores honor gift cards and certificates for as long as five years after they are given out, and to clearly publish all terms and conditions when they are sold.

  • U.S. Unveils Plan to Aid Mortgage Giants
    July 17, 2008

  • The Bush administration has outlined a plan to help Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac weather investor concerns about capitalization and expects the measures to be passed by Congress and signed into law by the president by the end of next week.

  • Fed: Average Amount Financed Via Auto Lenders Shows Steep Decline
    July 17, 2008

  • The average amount financed at auto lenders in May fell to the lowest point it has reached since 2004 and 2005, according to Federal Reserve data.



Legaslative News
  • U.S. Senate to Take Up Fannie-Freddie Bill After House Approval
    July 25, 2008

  • Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson believes the Senate will pass a housing bill to prop up the housing market and give President Bush an opportunity to sign a relief plan this week.

  • Interchange Measure Clears Chaotic Committee Vote
    July 17, 2008

  • Despite continued infighting among lawmakers in both parties, the House Judiciary Committee approved interchange rate legislation July 16 by a vote of 19 to 16.

  • Arbitration Works Better Than Lawsuits
    July 17, 2008

  • Congress is considering the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007, which would void arbitration provisions in consumer contracts related to credit card agreements, cell phones, and health insurance policies.

  • Senate's Housing Bill Faces Hurdles
    July 17, 2008

  • The Senate passed a housing bill on July 11 that would establish a new regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and allow the FHA to insure mortgages for more than the homes are worth once lenders write down a portion of the loan balance, but it remains to be seen whether the bill will be implemented quickly.

  • Gathering Looks at How Some Struggle With High-Interest Debts
    July 17, 2008

  • Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) organized a July 14 meeting at the Urban League of Rhode Island to see firsthand how some of his constituents are dealing with the credit crisis

AFSA News
Upcoming Events  
AFSA State Government Affairs
State Government Affairs Forum/NACCA Annual Meeting
September 30 - October 2, 2008
Beverly Hills, California

Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference
92nd Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference
October 25 - October 28, 2008
Irving, Texas (972) 717-0700

News Releases  
Resources
Making the most of your Associate Membership
Webinar detailing how your organization can maximize the benefits of AFSA Associate Membership Presented by Marguerite Watanabe, AFSA Associate Board Chair, Connections Insights and Sheilah Harrison, AFSA Vice President, Membership Services.


Committee Brochure Committee Brochure (PDF)
This brochure provides a comprehensive overview of AFSA’s 12 CIPs, answers frequently asked questions about participating in a committee and includes an application to join a committee.


Understanding Vehicle Financing Understanding Vehicle Financing
This brochure, prepared in cooperation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), provides information to help consumers learn about dealership finances. A Spanish version of the brochure is also available