For More Information Contact:
Bill Cosh
608/266-1221
Of particular concern to me are the significant public safety concerns related to foreclosed and abandoned properties in Milwaukee… Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen
MILWAUKEE – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that he has renewed the agreement with Marquette University through its Law School for the Milwaukee Foreclosure Mediation Program and will provide a $230,000 grant to be used towards a third year of operation.
Funding for the grant comes from the successful Countrywide Financial Corporation lawsuit. A portion of the proceeds from the Stipulated Judgment has been directed to fund the Milwaukee Foreclosure Mediation Program pursuant to a recommendation by the Milwaukee Foreclosure Partnership Initiative. In particular, the Attorney General will fund the participation of Marquette University Law School by supporting two positions necessary to implement the recommendation.
“Our success in the Countrywide matter has made this possible. At the Mayor’s request and in concert with the Marquette University Law School and the Milwaukee Foreclosure Partnership Initiative, Countrywide proceeds can be put to work- as the court ordered them to – mediating potential home foreclosures,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. “Of particular concern to me are the significant public safety concerns related to foreclosed and abandoned properties in Milwaukee,” he concluded.
Marquette University Law School uses a trained chief mediator to lead mediation efforts, in addition to another full-time position providing administrative support. The chief and Law School faculty, together with an advisory board, work to recruit other qualified attorneys to volunteer their time toward the effort. Law students provide supervised volunteer assistance in the form of research, case management and other mediation-related activities.
A one page memo of the Basic-Program Operation is available at:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/BASIC-PROGRAM-OPERATION-5-27-09.pdf
A copy of the second revised and restated Memorandum of Agreement is available at:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/5945bustosk_062311_143811.pdf
