December 1, 2007 (LPAC)--The following is a message of support was sent to Rep. Harold James, the sponsor of Pennsylvania House Resolution 418, from Harrisburg City Council member Gloria Martin-Robert, received Nov. 29. Another Harrisburg Council member, Linda Thompson, testified at the Nov. 29 hearing on the HBPA and reported that a resolution is being drafted for introduction at their next meeting. The letter from Ms. Martin-Robert says:

I take this opportunity to write in support of House Resolution, No. 418, Session of 2007. I commend you and your colleagues for demonstrating a sincere commitment to the people of Pennsylvania and this nation. If Congress does not act upon the recommendations proposed in the aforementioned resolution, I am fearful that our state and nation will become overwhelmed with some of the most devastating reactions/actions by humans that the world has yet to see. Families losing their most precious material resource, their homes, will create unprecedented mental health issues, physical health issues, increased crime, violence (especially family violence), hopelessness, and homelessness, to name a few.

Our state and nation can not afford to wait. They must take action now to protect homeowners and banks, because waiting will only intensify the already critical issue. This nation must protect its children, elderly, families. We must take as seriously the conditions of our country as we have for foreign countries. We are American and proud. We pride ourselves in taking care of home, giving anyone willing to work for it, "The American Dream." What example will we send to not only our citizens, but to those living in other countries where we have promoted the value of Democracy and the American Dream? As a local legislator, I support with all my being House Resolution No. 418 and remain prayerful that Congress will have the wisdom, commitment to our citizen's, and the integrity to ensure that the home mortgage crisis will be reversed through their positive action. Please let Congress know that Pennsylvanians want them to enact the "Homeowners and Banks Protection Act." We want them to establish or assign an existing agency to have oversight, making this issue their priority. Pennsylvanians want a moratorium on all home foreclosures. We want our banks healthy and thriving, so that we can continue to thrive. In addition, we want the rental program that will protect the financial interests of all involved. Please know that I will provide any assistance needed to help communicate the intent of your resolution to Congress.