Pennsylvania Protects Consumers
States stepping up as Trump gets cozy with payday predators
While the Trump Administration is working to kill the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, some states are stepping up to fill the gap.
One example: Pennsylvania.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is taking steps to ensure consumers in the Keystone State are getting the protections they need in the absence of an effective federal regulator.
Citing cutbacks at the federal level, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a new centralized consumer protection hotline, website and email address to make it easier for state residents to report allegations of scams and resolve financial and insurance issues.
Officials said the effort is part of the Shapiro Administration’s initiative to fill a void left by weakened federal consumer protection. As evidence of that void, they cited the CFPB’s actions to stop employees from working and alluded to other unspecified actions by the Trump Administration making it “clear that [the federal government] intends to leave this work to the states if it is going to happen at all.”
While the CFPB may not be at full strength, you can take action in your state if you have a consumer protection concern.
First, start with your state’s Attorney General.
Attorneys General typically have consumer protection divisions and can apply relevant state laws to your situation. Sometimes, if an AG asks, a company will answer.
Second, let your Member of Congress know. One, they may be able to assist with a resolution. But also, it is important for Congress to know their constituents value the work formerly performed by CFPB. Congress can rescue the consumer champion from the DOGE Death Star . . . if they want to.
The orange person buys or rents some friends, but wants to kill the CFPB, which helps all consumers, no matter how they voted or what color hat they wear! Thank you PA governor Shapiro, for a mini-CFPB!