This weekend, the U.S. Senate voted to approve a housing bill that would help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. From WILX:

Community leaders say Lansing is in dire need of the new legislation to keep foreclosure out of the future for Mid-Michigan families.

"I think it's fantastic, I think that we definitely need more direct funding, and more of an ability to directly help people," said Tiffany Lemieux-McKissic of the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition.

According to RealtyTrac Inc. the Lansing region has seen a 43 percent increase in foreclosures compared to last year; the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition says foreclosure outreach needs have increased, but funding has not.

"You know, we have the counseling, but a lot of times the funding isn't available to give to people if it's too late in the foreclosure process, so I think that that's excellent news," Lemieux-McKissic said.

And from WKZO:

WMU economics Professor James Huong says it could give a kick-start to an economy that has gone sluggish because of tight money.

Sen. Schauer has fought to help pass legislation in Michigan that cracks down on unscrupulous lenders and helps struggling homeowners transition into affordable mortgages. Time Magazine covered his efforts to fight foreclosure in an article published last November:

After Walberg's narrow victory in 2006 (a race in which he outspent his opponent by $1.2 million to $46,000), the Democrats this time have recruited a top-tier opponent: State Senator Mark Shauer, who has championed the predatory lending issue in the state legislature, co-sponsoring legislation that would tighten oversight on loan officers and support programs to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. Schauer plans on campaigning on the issue and accuses Walberg of turning his back on people in need. "The people in Michigan are struggling, and we're doing what we can to help at the state level," Schauer said. "But Washington and my opponent need to step up."