State governments aid struggling families, but not in South Carolina

State lawmakers are pushing a measure that would protect future homebuyers from risky and high-cost mortgages. But their proposal doesn't address the thousands of South Carolina homeowners who are struggling to make monthly payments right now.

State governments across the country have stepped in to help families who are facing foreclosure, creating emergency loan funds and designating millions of dollars for counseling efforts. The response stems from a lack of action from federal lawmakers, who have yet to agree on a plan.

However, South Carolina lawmakers have rejected a $3 million request from local nonprofit groups who say they need more money to help families who face foreclosure.

"It's very disappointing because we count on our politicians to do what's right for our community, and foreclosure is a very large problem in South Carolina as well as other parts of the country," said Debbie Kidd, executive director for Family Services Inc., a North Charleston-based nonprofit that provide foreclosure counseling.

Read more in Tuesday's edition of The Post and Courier.