By Kathy Adams, The Virginian-Pilot

From outlawing fraudulent home foreclosures to protecting college students’ credit ratings, a handful of bills before the General Assembly look to ease the burden on Virginians who are struggling financially and to protect them from being cheated.

Although only a few consumer protection bills have progressed this session – during which debate has focused on more high-profile issues such as abortion and gun rights – consumer advocates say the measures still could have a big impact.

“A lot of people are struggling,” said Jay Speer, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of low-income Virginians. “A lot of people, in particular in the middle class, are having trouble.”

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Published: February 18, 2012