LANSING, Mi. -- While the House approved foreclosure prevention measures within an hour of the agreement yesterday, Senate Republicans inexplicably failed to act on the legislation today. Senate Democrats have consistently fought for foreclosure relief and demanded answers explaining the delay this afternoon.

“Michigan families who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads have waited long enough for help from Lansing,” said Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (D- Ishpeming). “There better be a darn good reason for Senate Republicans to have put them off yet again by sitting on their hands for another five days at least.”

Senate Democrats stood ready to approve legislation that passed in an overwhelming bipartisan vote by the House yesterday, which would force banks to negotiate with homeowners before foreclosing. The agreement also included a judicial enforcement provision sought by Democrats that Senate Republicans initially tried to strip out of their versions of the bill.

The Republican-controlled Senate was in session for just over an hour this morning, voted on a handful of noncontroversial bills, then adjourned at 11:15 am until next week without taking up the foreclosure prevention legislation. Senate Republicans held a press conference on an unrelated issue at 11:30.

“If Republicans have time to pose for the cameras, they can make time to help people about to lose their home,” said Prusi. “I hope today’s inaction is just a matter of poor judgment and time management and not a sign that Republicans are considering backing out of the agreement on this important legislation.”

# # #