The pandemic has ranged from uncomfortable to impossible. More than 500,000 North Carolinians have filed for unemployment*. And now, more than 5,000 are on the brink of filing bankruptcy to save their secured debt (e.g., house, cars). To save them from additional discomfort, these struggling individuals enrolled in a debt settlement program.

These relief plans allow them to avoid visiting a lawyer and tackle this crippling problem independently with the help of a few skilled people to negotiate with their creditors. And now, House Bill 76 seeks to strip away that choice from these residents and force them into bankruptcy.

Debt can spiral out of control and become overwhelming. If House Bill 76 is passed, North Carolinians will have two options – hopefully, get a personal loan or file bankruptcy if denied.

This decision is not fair. Removing this choice from the state could further cripple many, many people. They deserve better. Make sure the North Carolina Senate allows them to have this choice.