LATHAM, N.Y. – New York State credit unions applauded Gov. George Pataki's signing in to law the state's anti-predatory lending legislation. New York State Credit Union League President/CEO Bill Mellin said the league was "pleased that the Governor recognized the predatory lending problem is a concern for New York consumers and has signed legislation to curb abusive practices.Addressing the problem through legislation is in the best interests of credit unions and their members." The state's law prohibits abusive and deceptive mortgage lending practices for high-cost loans – mortgages that either have an annual percentage rate that's more than 8% above the interest rate for a comparable length Treasury Bill or where points and fees exceed 5% of the total loan amount. It also provides defenses to foreclosures caused by predatory loans.