On Friday, February 27, 2009, the Congressional Oversight held a hearing examining state and local foreclosure reduction and prevention efforts in the state of Maryland.  Prince Georges County has the highest rate of foreclosures in Maryland. 

Maryland has taken aggressive and innovative steps to address what they see as the “worst housing crisis the nation has seen since the Great Depression.”  The State has taken a multi-tiered approach enacting legislation to deal with mortgage lending, providing funds to community groups to help distressed homeowners, and negotiating agreements with mortgage servicers to compel them to attempt foreclosure mitigation first before foreclosure.  Through this approach the State has seen an increase in the number of homeowners receiving much needed help.  However, as the economic downturn takes an even stronger hold, the State has also seen the number of homeowners in need increase as well.

The witnesses included members of the public who have faced the threat of foreclosure, community-based providers of foreclosure mitigation and other housing servicers, and a state official.  The Panel heard opening remarks from Congresswoman Edwards, Congressman Van Hollen, and  Lloyd Baskin, Manager of the  Homeownership Center of Prince George’s County.

Watch the Hearing