Rashida Tlaib: “We all know there are incredibly important issues that are facing many of our families, and one of them is the rise in…”

“We all know there are incredibly important issues that are facing many of our families, and one of them is the rise in just uncontrollable corporate greed that we continue to see. If you want your child to sit next to you on the airplane, expect a fee. If you cancel your cable early, expect a fee. If you pay your credit card late, in Michigan, average credit card late fees from big banks are more than $20. Sadly, even the medical industry imposes hidden costs and surprise bills. Collectively, these junk fees cost our residents billions of dollars each year, Madam Chair. The telecommunications industry alone takes in an estimated $28 billion in fees annually from our residents. This is wrong. It is actually sick. We must push back against corporate greed. Consumers should not have to deal with hidden charges and fees. None of my residents should have to deal with this, especially as the rising cost of services and fees continue to happen on top of these hidden fees. In this Chamber, we should all make sure that any law we pass does not support companies that exploit consumers. It is so important. My amendment is simple. It ensures that any exemptions or benefits provided in this act may not apply to companies that impose the junk fees on our residents. That is it. The act makes it easier for companies that employ gig workers to pay them in equity in lieu of a real salary.…”