SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbra), Chair of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee, announced yesterday that he received a perfect 100 percent score from the Consumer Federation of California (CFC) for his voting record on consumer issues.

“Year in, year out, Assemblymember Nava stands up against the interests of big business and their corporate lobbyists on behalf of the consumer,” said Richard Holober, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California. “In 2009, on every issue that affected our pocketbooks, our privacy, and our health and safety, Assemblymember Nava sided with public interest over corporate interests.”

The Consumer Federation of California released its 2009 Scorecard for State lawmakers yesterday. The scorecard rates legislators on their votes cast on key consumer rights bills. State Assemblymembers and Senators were evaluated on a number of issues, including financial privacy protection, health care reform, food safety, household toxics, false advertising, deceptive insurance industry practices and real estate lending reform.

“I am honored to receive a perfect score from the Consumer Federation of California,” said Assemblymember Nava. “I will continue to fight for Californians when it comes to consumer rights, health and safety protections, and financial reform.”

Nava’s commitment to consumer protection began as a deputy district attorney in Santa Barbara County in the consumer law section and continues today as Chair of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee. Currently, Nava is leading the fight against the mortgage and banking industry to help struggling California families facing foreclosure.

Nava recently introduced AB 1588, a measure that will establish a monitored mediation program to help homeowners and lenders reach sustainable loan modifications. AB 1588, will establish a mandatory mediation program compelling the lender to sit down with the homeowner/borrower for a face to face meeting. Too many families lose their homes in foreclosure without ever having a chance to talk directly with the bank. This type of mediation program has proven successful in numerous other states, including Nevada, Connecticut, Maine, [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania], Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, New Mexico, Kentucky, New Jersey, Michigan, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, and New York.

The Consumer Federation of California is a non-profit organization that has fought for consumer rights since 1960.