Bond, McCaskill vote in favor of bill to help struggling homeowners

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Both Missouri senators voted for a bill that provides aid to homeowners and businesses struggling because of the housing crisis.

The measure approved 84-12 Thursday includes Republican Kit Bond's provision that would allow state housing agencies to issue $10 billion in tax-free bonds to refinance subprime loans.

Another provision by Bond would add $100 million in additional counseling funds for homeowners facing foreclosure.

Democrat Claire McCaskill co-sponsored an amendment that would provide more disclosure and oversight to protect seniors from aggressive marketing and predatory lending.

According to RealtyTrac, a company that follows foreclosures, Missouri reported 3,469 foreclosure filings in February. That's a 47-percent increase from the same month in 2007.

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Information from: The Springfield News-Leader: http://www.news-leader.com