| Volume 73 Number 6 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Didn't get to attend The People's Law School? That's OK! You can watch the consumer law presentation online! Click here for more.
Gasoline Prices Expected to Level Off
Gas prices have increased dramatically since the holidays. They hit $4 this month, after jumping 70 cents since December. Despite the astonishing increase in prices at the pump, the market is poised to cool. Why? A slowing global economy has helped to reduce demand, and an uptick in Saudi oil production increased available supply. Additionally, it appears traders may have overreacted to a cutoff in Iranian oil supply. Have gas prices hit their peak? Click here for more.
Houston Outlaws Feeding the Homeless
A new law in Houston, TX will make it illegal to feed the homeless, and at least one member of the City Counsel isn't happy about it. The
law calls for $500 fines to be handed out to any group of individual distributing food to five or more people on public property. According to the Mayor, the measure was passed with the intention of guaranteeing the safety of food served to the homeless. Critics of the law insist that it does nothing more than criminalize charity. Decide for yourself!
Click here for more.
Moving to Raise the Minimum Wage
In July of 2009, the minimum wage was increased at the federal level to $7.25 an hour. Since then, several state legislators across the nation have been pushing to increase the minimum wage in their own states. States like Washington ($9.04/hr), Oregon ($8.80/hr), and Vermont ($8.46/hr) have already gone beyond the federal minimum, and others plan to follow suit. Could a higher minimum wage be coming to your state soon? Click here for more.
Your Money
What are you long-term care insurance needs? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Federal law does not preempt lawsuit against bank for wrongful repossession. The Fourth Circuit held that federal banking law does not preempt a lawsuit alleging that an auto lender violated state post-repossession notice requirements. Click here for more.