[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12851]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PREVENT HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD MONTH

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize 
National Prevent Home Improvement Fraud Month and to honor the efforts 
of Mr. Michael McGee of West Chester, Pennsylvania in raising awareness 
of the importance of this issue in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 
across the country.
  As the home remodeling industry continues to grow with the aging of 
the country's housing stock, so to does the opportunity for fraud by 
unscrupulous contractors who take advantage of vulnerable home owners, 
particularly the elderly. Recognizing National Prevent Home Improvement 
Fraud Month allows the remodeling industry and advocacy professionals a 
platform to educate homeowners, provide them with the resources to make 
sound decisions with regard to their home improvements, and raise 
awareness about potentially scandalous practices that could 
significantly impact homeowners financially.
  Buying a house is an important purchase, but turning a house into a 
home is an incredible investment. Raising awareness and combating home 
improvement fraud and contractor dishonesty will help homeowners avoid 
unfinished projects, substandard materials, and an unsafe, unlivable 
dwelling.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise and join me today in 
honoring National Prevent Home Improvement Fraud Month. May this month 
continue to bring awareness to issue of home improvement fraud and 
efforts to prevent these types of scams both locally and nationally.

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