<p>HIALEAH, Fla. – The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), AARP and elected officials have announced plans to work together to restrict abusive lending practices in the Sunshine State. As part of their strategy, the three groups plan to use public education and the passage of local and statewide legislation to implement their plan. Lyn Bodiford, AARP state affairs coordinator said predatory mortgage lending will be one of Florida AARP's top legislative priorities in Tallahassee. "We believe that this problem must be addressed not only in Dade County, but also across the state. We want to build a long-term care system that lets people remain in their homes. How can we do that if predatory lenders are taking their homes away from them, she asked. As a kick-off to their efforts, State Sen. Kendrick Meek, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Carey-Schuler, city of Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez, AARP Grassroots and Elections Congressional District Coordinator Wendell Wimberly, and ACORN leader Venetia Williams met Jan. 18 at Hialeah City Hall to discuss the issue.</p>