Rep. Jim Davnie, DFL-Minneapolis, counts among his 2007 legislative accomplishments passing a bill to protect consumers against predatory lending practices. His efforts to expand domestic partner benefits were vetoed.

Minneapolis is “ground zero for foreclosures,” Davnie said, and blamed part of the problem on predatory lending. More than 3,000 Minneapolis houses were foreclosed on in 2006, according to a report in the Twin Cities Daily Planet. Davnie pushed the new measures in the House; Sen. Linda Higgins of North Minneapolis led efforts in the Senate. The law goes into effect Aug. 1. According to a House bill summary, it:

• Creates a duty for the mortgage broker to protect the best interests of the borrower.

• Prohibits the lender or mortgage broker from making a loan unless they have determined the borrower has a reasonable ability to pay.

• Requires disclosure of the property tax and insurance payments that go with a home purchase, in addition to the monthly mortgage payment.

Davnie, a teacher, lives in the Cooper neighborhood, and his district includes Seward. With democrats in charge of the House this year, he has had a more prominent policy role and chairs the Labor and Consumer Protection Division.

The democratically controlled legislature has clashed with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican. For instance, a bill Davnie wrote would have allowed Minneapolis and other local governments the option of offering domestic partner benefits to employees. Davnie’s proposal got added to a larger state government finance bill. The domestic partner language contributed to Pawlenty’s decision to veto the entire package.

The legislature was expected to adjourn May 21, as this issue of The Bridge went to press. Look for upcoming legislature coverage online at www.readthebridge.info.

last revised: June 13, 2007

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