Corona Residents Rally Against Credit Card Late Fees
Constituents Call on Rep. Ken Calvert to Stand for Consumer Rights
Corona, California - Yesterday, concerned constituents from Corona and Valley Families Unite (VFU) converged outside Congressman Ken Calvert’s Corona office to voice opposition to H.J. Res. 122 and demand stronger protections against credit card late fees.
The rally comes amidst growing frustration with Republican efforts to thwart recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulations aimed at reducing these fees.
Photo: Constituents gather outside of Rep.Calverts Office to Stand for Consumer Rights | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite
The CFPB's rule would cap credit card late fees at $8, down from the current average of $32, providing significant relief to millions of Americans struggling with credit card debt. This measure could save affected individuals an average of $220 annually, offering much-needed financial breathing room to households in California and across the country.
Tami Friedrich, a parent attending the rally stated, "As a constituent, I'm deeply troubled by Rep. Calvert's silence on this crucial issue. Working families, like mine, in the Inland Empire rely on credit cards to pay for our everyday expenses, and high late fees force us to make harder choices about paying for groceries, utility bills, and child care. It's time for our representatives to prioritize the needs of everyday Americans over corporate interests. We won't stand idly by while hardworking families are burdened by unfair financial practices."
This rally is a continuation of Valley Families Unite’s extended effort to hold Congressman Calvert accountable for siding with credit card corporations. Last month, along with other coalition groups, VFU rallied during the Coachella Music festival to call out Calvert for siding with American Express, a Coachella corporate sponsor, by giving them tax breaks with his support of the 2017 Trump Tax Scam.
American Express reported record high revenues and profits in 2023 while many Americans carry credit card debt month-to-month, and Congress now has an opportunity to help alleviate the financial burden of high credit card fees on working families.
Photo: Valley Families Unite along with Mr. Rigs, the Corporate Fat Cat at Rep. Calvert’s district office in Corona | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite
“We’re calling on Congressman Calvert to stand for consumer rights against excessive credit card fees and oppose H.J. Res. 122,” stated Marvin Andrade, Valley Families Unite’s CA-41 Organizer, “Rep. Calvert has a track record of putting corporations first, at the expense of the financial well-being of families. Credit card companies charged a record-high $130 billion in interest and fees in 2022, and it’s time for Calvert to provide relief to working families instead of adding to corporate profits. Valley Families Unite is deeply troubled by House Republicans’ stance and urge Rep. Calvert to oppose the cap on credit card late fees.”
For media inquiries or further information, please reach out to Mario Vasquez Zuniga at 661-483-4927 or mario@valleyfamiliesunite.org.
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Valley Families Unite represents a shared vision of economic prosperity for working families and accountable leadership in California. With the collective strength of Courage California, Inland Empire United, Communities for a New California Action Fund and Lower Costs California, we are eager to hold our elected officials accountable for fighting for the economic well-being of California families.
