Quigley Meets with Secretary Geithner to Discuss Chicago Housing Crisis

Congressman relays constituent concerns following Foreclosure Assistance event in district

WASHINGTON, DC – November 3, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) met with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner to discuss the housing and foreclosure crisis in the City of Chicago and surrounding area. The meeting followed Quigley’s Foreclosure Assistance Fair this past weekend in Chicago, where more than 200 constituents sought assistance from mortgage lenders, government agencies, and housing counselors.

“Chicago hasn’t been immune to current economic troubles, and on Saturday, constituents told me about the real, daily challenges they face just trying to stay in their homes,” said Rep. Quigley. “So when I got back to Washington on Tuesday, I wanted to share the stories and frustrations of these families directly with Secretary Geithner. He agreed that we need to do everything in our power to relieve crushing levels of homeowner debt, and I appreciate his time and commitment to these issues.”

Housing issues have been a primary concern for Rep. Quigley, who requested the meeting with Secretary Geithner in response to the influx of foreclosure-related casework being handled by his district office. The Foreclosure Assistance Fair, held on Oct. 29 in collaboration with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, was a direct response to these concerns and reiterated the need for Congress and the Treasury Department to have an open dialogue about how best to address the situation.

“Public policy can be a long and challenging process in Washington, so I’m focusing on how to make an immediate difference at home and connect struggling families with the resources they need to survive and succeed,” added Quigley.

Quigley has held numerous housing-related service events since being elected to office in 2009. He also authored an amendment to provide greater fairness and transparency to homeowners who may have been improperly denied a loan modification on their mortgage without any explanation. The measure was drafted in direct response to constituent feedback and was signed into law last year as part of H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Earlier this year, after only 21 months in office, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform named Quigley as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services, and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs.