Register Now for Chance at Tickets for Obama's Town Hall in Rio Rancho Thursday

Pres. Obama at town hall in ABQ during campaign

The White House website posted information today about President Barack Obama's town hall meeting on credit card debt set for New Mexico on Thursday. Limited tickets are available for the event scheduled for May 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM. You must complete and submit a form here by 5:00 PM MDT on Monday, May 11, to have a chance to be selected for up to a two tickets. Folks without internet access can leave a message about their interest in attending by calling (505) 896-5640 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Monday, May 11th.

Although the White House site doesn't say where the event will happen, the Albuquerque Journal is reporting it will be at Rio Rancho High School from 10:00 to 11:15 AM on Thursday.

Dow Jones is reporting that the President's New Mexico stop is at the end of a two-day trip that includes a commencement day address at Arizona State University, and provides info on the purpose of the town hall:

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama would use the Albuquerque town hall to discuss "the legislation that's moving through Congress and the strong desire to get something done on an issue of tremendous importance to middle-class families."

"And that is to rein in some of the excesses and some of the abuses that we've seen from credit cards over the past many years, understanding that, for many people, credit cards provide an opportunity to finance purchases," he added. "We think there's a more equitable way to do that, and I think that those reforms are on their way through Congress."

Credit card reform legislation passed the U.S. House last week by a margin of 357-70, with Reps. Heinrich, Teague and Lujan voting for it. The bill would limit the ability of card issuers to retroactively increase the interest rate on a consumer's balance, and require firms to provide consumers 45 days notice before interest rate changes take effect. The bill would also prohibit double-cycle billing and some of the outrageous fees that consumers have experienced. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation next week.

Of course the credit card and banking lobbyists are in full battle mode and there's always the reticence of lawmakers who get generous donations from the industry to do anything that would upset their patrons. A Wall Street Journal article reports on that.

The Journal article also provides a bit more info on the rules that will govern the ticket process and the event:

The White House says the number of tickets will be limited and names will be chosen randomly. Tickets are not to be sold. Parking at Rio Rancho High School will be limited and people attending the town hall are being encouraged to carpool.

Everyone attending will go through airport-like security and should bring as few personal items as possible, the White House says. Prohibited items inside the venue include bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids, strollers and signs. Cameras will be permitted.

Photo by M.E. Broderick. Click on image for larger version.