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Chuck Bell

@chuckbell.bsky.social
138 followers 51 following 90 posts

Consumer, environmental, economic and social justice advocate. Day job is Programs Director, Advocacy at Consumer Reports. My posts are my own.

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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 11h
National Day of Action to stop AI scams and tech-enabled fraud - national webinar www.youtube.com/live/_eOwl5u...
youtube.com
United Against AI & Tech-Enabled Scams: A National Day of Action
YouTube video by Alliance for Retired Americans
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 11h
Scammers are using AI to make their fraud more convincing than ever, + seniors are being targeted. They clone voices, create fake video calls, run convincing ads, and use social media to exploit personal information. More info at stopscamstogether (dot) org youtu.be/6xX8nASRh84
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
“Insurers should not charge consumers higher premiums simply because of their personal credit history... rather than the actual risk associated with a home.” www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/min...
banking.senate.gov
Warren, Pressley, Members of Congress Probe Insurance Companies on Usage of Credit-Based Insurance Scores As Costs Rise | United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
The Official website of The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
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Center for Economic and Policy Research @ceprdc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Legal immigrants are now ineligible for healthcare subsidies for marketplace coverage. This is horrible for lawfully present immigrants and @sabrinacorlette.bsky.social  explains why. #ACA #healthcare #privateequity #mostly economics #health #econsky
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Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety @autosafety4all.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Meanwhile, Waymo is lobbying Congress to allow them to deploy unlimited numbers of robotaxis with NO safeguards. #autonomous #robotaxi #scam @nationalconsumers.bsky.social @chuckbell.bsky.social @autosafety.org @seiu1021.bsky.social
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 08/06/2026
Modern smartphones rolled out in 2007, the year that fertility rates began falling in the U.S. and other countries. Two new studies say that is not a coincidence.
nyti.ms
Two New Studies Ask: Did the iPhone Cause Birthrates to Decline?
Modern smartphones rolled out in 2007, the year that fertility rates began falling. Two studies say that is not a coincidence.
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David Sirota @davidsirota.com · 03/06/2026
🚨 NEW: Private equity found a new thing to squeeze: firetrucks. Cities are suing manufacturers they say cornered 70% of the market, shut down factories, created backlogs, and helped push vital emergency vehicles toward $1 million.
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David Sirota @davidsirota.com · 03/06/2026
The average undocumented immigrant paid nearly $9,000 in taxes in 2022. (Source: Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy) ⬇️
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Consumer Reports @consumerreports.org · 21/05/2026
#NewYork: Join CR in supporting the Beauty Justice Act—a bill that would ban the most toxic chemicals from personal care products. Click here to make a call to your Assemblymember now: speak4.app/lp/uu01rsil
speak4.app
NY: Make a Call for Safer Personal Care Products!
Personal care and beauty products ranging from cosmetics to lotion to shampoo shockingly have very few national health or safety...
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Consumer Reports @consumerreports.org · 21/05/2026
More than 1 million baby monitors worldwide may be vulnerable to a security breach. Here's what parents should know.
consumerreports.org
Report Sparks Security Concerns About Meari Technology Baby Monitors - Consumer Reports
More than 1.1 million baby monitors made by Meari Technology may have been susceptible to security issues. Here’s what to know to protect your family.
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Consumer Reports @consumerreports.org · 01/05/2026
We can confidently say that every text claiming to be from a toll agency and requesting payment is fake. We know because we asked them. www.consumerreports.org/money/scams…
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Technology & Democracy @techanddemocracy.newamerica.org · 21/05/2026
OTI is excited to support the Digital Opportunity Foundation Act. To see returns on our investments in digital infrastructure & #AI, we need to support a hub for funding, resource sharing & developing best practices around adoption & digital upskilling. www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
lujan.senate.gov
Luján, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Expand Digital Opportunity, Inclusion, and Literacy - Senator Ben Ray Luján
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-C...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Establishing the Foundation for Digital Opportunity is critical to closing the #digitaldivide! We need Congress to enable sustainable investments in digital literacy & adoption if we want all Americans to use & benefit from fast broadband www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...
lujan.senate.gov
Luján, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Expand Digital Opportunity, Inclusion, and Literacy - Senator Ben Ray Luján
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-C...
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Jon Cooper @joncooper-us.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
ICE Abducts Disney Cruise Staff Right Off of Ship in Horrific Raid At least 10 staffers were detained, some of whom were zip-tied in front of cruise passengers as they were led off the boat.
newrepublic.com
ICE Abducts Disney Cruise Staff Right Off of Ship in Horrific Raid
At least 10 staffers were detained, some of whom were zip-tied as they were led off the boat.
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Chris Hendel @chrishendel.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Legend. At 91, Bread and Puppet Theater founder Peter Schumann keeps fighting for peace @vtdigger.bsky.social “He’s doing some of his best work now,” says Vermont filmmaker Robbie Leppzer, creator of the new documentary “An Artist Responds to War.” vtdigger.org/2026/04/28/a...
vtdigger.org
At 91, Bread and Puppet Theater founder Peter Schumann keeps fighting for peace - VTDigger
“He’s doing some of his best work now,” says Vermont filmmaker Robbie Leppzer, creator of the new documentary “An Artist Responds to War.”
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RN Mayhem @mayhem1994.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Because of wage theft nearly $2 million is being returned to over 750 workers at Taco Bell, Dunkin', and Theory franchises. Affected workers are receiving an average of $2,400 each in restitution. The announcement was made by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine.
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Bright D Limm 임대중 @bdlimm.myatproto.social · 23/04/2026
Extreme heat, unsafe working conditions, wage theft: these violations of ground handlers' worker rights have made AGI one of the most unsafe employers in the US. This seems like a very worthy, potentially high-profile case for DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine and @hellodcwp.bsky.social to take up.
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CFPB Union @nteu335.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
"They’re not reforming the CFPB, they’re killing it," @warren.senate.gov. Call your members of Congress and demand they restore CFPB funds. Lookup your members at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov or call the switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
webpronews.com
The Gutting of the CFPB: Inside the Trump Administration’s Plan to Reduce America’s Consumer Watchdog to a Skeleton Crew
The Trump administration has unveiled a plan to cut two-thirds of the CFPB's workforce, reducing the consumer financial watchdog to roughly 600 employees. The proposal effectively guts enforcement,…
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Thank you A1556G bill sponsors Assembly Member Anna Kelles and Senator Brian Kavanagh, food safety heroes in New York. docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
CR Memo of Support for NY A1556G.docx
Memorandum of SUPPORT A.1556G/S.1239F (Kelles/Kavanaugh) – The Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act Consumer Reports strongly supports the New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act (FSDCA) ...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Companies already have to collect this information, so what’s the big deal about disclosing it. Makes you wonder what they’ve got to hide.
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Why is the food industry suddenly pouring significant resources into pressuring the NY Assembly to oppose A1556G? This is a straightforward transparency bill that would require the food industry to disclose important food chemical safety information. Vote YES docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
CR Memo of Support for NY A1556G.docx
Memorandum of SUPPORT A.1556G/S.1239F (Kelles/Kavanaugh) – The Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act Consumer Reports strongly supports the New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act (FSDCA) ...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Why is the food industry suddenly pouring significant resources into pressuring the NY Assembly to oppose A1556G? This is a straightforward transparency bill that would require the food industry to disclose important food chemical safety information. Vote YES docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
CR Memo of Support for NY A1556G.docx
Memorandum of SUPPORT A.1556G/S.1239F (Kelles/Kavanaugh) – The Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act Consumer Reports strongly supports the New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act (FSDCA) ...
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Center for Economic and Policy Research @ceprdc.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The US has a healthcare affordability crisis. What can we learn from Canada, the Netherlands & the UK? Tune in Apr. 21 with @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social & CEPR. This is free & open to all. bit.ly/3Qbrndg
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Americans for Financial Reform @ourfinancialsecurity.org · 15/04/2026
🔥"Why are you protecting big corporations instead of consumers, Mr. Vought?" -@jayapal.house.gov As Trump’s Project 2025 henchman, Vought has consistently turned a blind eye to the needs of everyday people in order to cater to a handful of corporate elites.
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Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety @autosafety4all.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Auto #safety advocates urge Congress to pass lifesaving bill to require automatic emergency braking to detect & protect bicyclists & motorcyclists. #bicycles #motorcycles @autosafety.org @nationalconsumers.bsky.social @consumerfed.bsky.social @chuckbell.bsky.social
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The Majority Agenda is a collection of policy briefs on important issues where Americans generally have broad agreement... The project organizes these reports into three main areas: Good Jobs, Strong Infrastructure, & Fair Play. @ceprdc.bsky.social cepr.net/publications...
cepr.net
The Majority Agenda: Good Jobs, Strong Infrastructure, Fair Play
While the country is politically polarized in many ways, this collection highlights a range of public policies with broad public support that would advance worker power and enhance democracy in the Un...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
"A targeted, large-scale subsidized employment program or a universal federal jobs guarantee would significantly increase the number of people working. The Workforce Promotion & Access Act & the Federal Jobs Guarantee Act are good starting points." @a-austin.bsky.social cepr.net/publications...
cepr.net
Provide Jobs for Those Who Need Them
Despite record low national unemployment, millions remain jobless or underemployed, exposing stark regional and demographic gaps.
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CFPB Union @nteu335.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
“This latest attempt to eliminate essential staff at the CFPB would reduce the bureau to an empty shell, unable to fulfill the functions the CFPB is statutorily required to engage in,” - NCLC's Chi Chi Wu.
nclc.org
Trump Administration Concocts New Plan to Disable CFPB
Proposal to Dramatically Reduce CFPB Staff Would Cripple Supervision of Banks and Fintech Lending Apps; Cut Enforcement Staff by 80%
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The American people need 2/3 MORE consumer financial protection, not 2/3 less. Please withdraw this unwise & unfair plan to slash CFPB oversight and supervision. Consumers are losing billions as regulators abandon their responsibilities. www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...
reuters.com
Trump admin presents new plan to slash two thirds of consumer watchdog workforce
President Donald Trump's administration has developed a fresh plan to slash the workforce at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by about two ​thirds, stepping back from earlier efforts to g...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
"...Article 54 of the Geneva Convention states: “It is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, such as drinking water installations & supplies & irrigation works... thebulletin.org/2026/03/desa...
thebulletin.org
Desalination, water, and war
Attacks on civilian systems, including water systems, must be condemned and punished under the laws of war.
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Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Read CFA's Full Report Here: @benwinters.bsky.social consumerfed.org/reports/true...
consumerfed.org
The Scam Economy · Consumer Federation of America
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) projects that Americans are losing an estimated $119 billion every year to online scams. This “true” cost of scams is estimated to be over se...
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Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Americans are losing at least $119 billion every year to #Scams, according to a new estimate from the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group. @nbcnews.com @kevincollier.bsky.social
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Progress Michigan @progressmich.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Michiganders lose $1.7 billion each year to online scams, yet official reports capture only a fraction of the problem. A new analysis from @consumerfed.bsky.social estimates the true cost is much higher than reported with internet scams. Get the facts here: consumerfed.org/reports/true...
A image with three people in black and white who have the text "Lost $170" on their heads to show they lost money from online scam. Text on the second half says "Michiganders lose $1.7 billion to online scams yearly* That's $170 per person *Estimated total from: The Scam Economy, A Consumer Federation of America Report"
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
“When the government and the financial system mandate that we buy a product, there’s a special obligation to make sure the pricing is fair,” said Doug Heller, director of #insurance at the Consumer Federation. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
How Rising Home Insurance Costs Are Linked to Your Credit History (Gift Article)
In many states, homeowners with “excellent” credit scores are charged less for home insurance than those with worse scores, even if they live in a disaster-prone area.
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Revolving Door Project @revolvingdoordc.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
NEW: Tomorrow marks three years since Silicon Valley Bank's failure. Despite the passage of time, accountability remains elusive. For @prospect.org, our @timi-iwayemi.bsky.social breaks down how Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman's calls for a new review ring hollow. prospect.org/2026/03/09/t...
prospect.org
Before every financial crisis, there is a concerted effort to argue that this time is different.
Efforts to whitewash recent banking history is an unnecessary sidebar that fuels culture-war grievances while an opportunity for real justice remains on the table.
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet) released a report on the trend of "enshittification" in digital consumer goods and services, suggesting ways for consumers to resist, accompanied by this satirical video. youtu.be/T4Upf_B9RLQ
youtu.be
A Day in the Life of an Ensh*ttificator
YouTube video by Forbrukerrådet - Norwegian Consumer Council
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
“New York’s proposed buy now, pay later regulations would provide the strongest, most comprehensive protections for consumers of any state and are a model for lawmakers across the country,” said Chuck Bell, special projects director at Consumer Reports. advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_releas...
advocacy.consumerreports.org
New York proposes new rules to protect buy now pay later borrowers - CR Advocacy
Consumer Reports praises New York’s proposed rules that would provide the strongest, most comprehensive consumer protections of any state  ALBANY, NY – Consumers who make…
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Today AM @LindaBRosenthal & a coalition of health & environmental advocates announced new legislation to ban the use & sale of paraquat, a widely used herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, cancer, & other serious health harms. www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/02/10/l...
fingerlakes1.com
Lawmakers push to ban toxic weed killer in New York | Fingerlakes1.com
A toxic weed killer tied to Parkinson’s disease will take center stage at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and a coalition of health and environmental advocates plan to ...
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
The difference between the highest- & lowest-priced grocery baskets in 6 cities was more than 33 percent. When Costco and specialty grocers like Whole Foods were included, the price differences were even more significant. #Affordability www.consumerreports.org/money/prices...
consumerreports.org
Most and Least Expensive Supermarkets - Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports compares the prices of baskets of goods across dozens of grocery retailers in five cities representative of their regions.
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
The CFPB helped consumer David Biddle of Philadelphia in 2023. He fought on the phone with a financial institution for nearly three months to close a fraudulent $27,500 loan, which was tanking his credit. But he didn't get any action until he filed a complaint. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
Consumer guardrail facing cuts waits on court decision
An appeals court will decide if further cuts can be made to the CFPB, a key agency tasked with protecting consumers
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Betty Lin-Fisher @blinfisher.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Consumer guardrail facing cuts waits on court decision. @consumerreports.org @consumerfed.bsky.social @borrowerjustice.bsky.social Read my @usatoday.com story: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
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NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO @nyclabor.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
On January 15, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Sam Levine filed a lawsuit against predatory delivery app Motoclick for egregiously violating the City’s Delivery Worker Laws. Read: nycclc.org/news/dcwp-su...
DCWP Sues Motoclick and CEO, Warns Delivery Apps to Comply With Worker Protections
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NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez @sengonzalezny.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I was proud to join Mayor Mamdani, Attorney General James, DCWP Commissioner Levine, and my colleagues in the city and state government for the signing of an executive order to ban hidden junk fees and subscription traps.
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Streetsblog NYC @nyc.streetsblog.org · 04/01/2026
New DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine pledged to crack down on app companies that pressure delivery workers to use e-bikes and cars recklessly.
buff.ly
Mamdani Commissioner Pledges to Hold App Companies Accountable for Road Safety - Streetsblog New York City
DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine pledged to crack down on app companies that pressure delivery workers to use e-bikes and cars recklessly.
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Future of Music Coalition @futureofmusic.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Mamdani's administration plans to use existing authority to go after companies illegally hiding fees. Right now, Ticketmaster is breaking NY state law by hiding fee breakdowns behind additional toggles and clicks. (same with Seatgeek, Stubhub etc.) Fees are supposed to be clear & conspicuous!
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BEUC - The Consumer Voice @beuc.eu · 06/01/2026
People care about the impact of what they buy. But how easy is it to find sustainable products across Europe? We ran a mystery shopping exercise in 13 countries to find out.
beuc.eu
Searching for Ecolabels: a mystery shopping exercise in supermarkets across Europe
People care about the impact of what they buy. But how easy is it to find sustainable products across Europe? We ran a mystery shopping exercise in 13 countries to find out.
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
"Using rulemaking authority, the NYC Dept of Consumer & Worker Protection & the Citywide Junk Fee Task Force will target predatory companies that pad prices w/hidden fees—schemes that drain family budgets & undercut honest businesses that play by the rules." www.nyc.gov/site/dca/new...
nyc.gov
Statement from DCWP on Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Orders to Combat Junk Fees and Subscription Traps
Commissioner Levine issued a statement addressing Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Orders on combatting hidden junk fees.
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Chuck Bell @chuckbell.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
“…Don’t make come down there!” — former NY Rep Bella Abzug. #ProtectECOA #StopLendingDiscrimination youtu.be/cTjIuhY12tY?...
youtu.be
How Bella Abzug changed credit laws
YouTube video by Center for American Women and Politics
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Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
What is #DisparateImpact ? Hear Stephen Hayes of Relman Colfax PLLC explain #ECOA #CFAFSC
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Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
🚨 Will decades of fair lending law be gutted? Our panel explains the high stakes of the #CFPB ’s proposed changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and discusses how it could undo years of civil rights protections. #CivilRights #ECOA #CFAFSC
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