mr. calhoun and a question for mr. pollack. the american bankers association say that consumers appreciate having overdraft protection. that it's a service that their customers -- their members customers want. why are your survey findings so different, mr. calhoun, from what the american bankers association tell us? >> well, as many surveys it depends what you ask and to whom you ask it. our survey was done by an independent group, a larger sample nationwide, more than 2,000 respondents. and people want to know what it will cost them. and when they're told $35, it's a whole different kettle of fish. the other main thing is, that for people who want it covered, there is an alternative both a line of credit which the typical charge -- if you use overdraft protection from a line of credit, is less than a dollar for an overdraft versus $35. or they used to regularly offer linking as some still do. linking your debit cards to your savings and some charge and impose a $1 fee each time you access it. banks are discontinuing those prog

mr. calhoun and a question for mr. pollitt. the american bankers association says consumers appreciate having overdraft protection mandate is these jurors that their customers, their members customers want. white is your survey finding it so different mr. calvin from what the american bankers association tells us? >> many surveys, it depends on what u.s.. our-- and people want to know what it will cost them and when they are told $35, it is a whole different kettle of fish. the other main thing is that for people who want it covered there is an alternative, both in line of credit which the typical charge of the use overdraft protection from its credit, is less than 1 dollar foreign overdraft versus $35, or they used to regularly offer linking as some still do, linking your debit card commodore savings and then some charge imposed like it 1 dollar feed every time you access it. banks are discontinuing those programs because the regulators have allowed these abusive products to drive out the good ones. so it is not an either/or.

mr. carey for joining us. michael calhoun is the resident what he is held that position since 2006. the center is a research and policy institute for focusing on consumer lending and protection. and again, we are very, very pleased that all of you with us today. and we thank you. by the way, any of your opening fall opening statements, comments and any supporting information you would like the committee to have will be included in the record so we will begin with you, mr. libby or. you have to pull the microphone close to. there is a button down there that have active debate the microphone. >> i got it. >> you're all set. you are on. >> good afternoon, chairman senator dodd and members of the committee. my name is mario livieri. i am a senior citizen and i live in branford, connecticut. i am honored to be invited here today to share my story with you. i hope that it will help you to do the right for consumers like me go been unfairly and misled by the bank about overdraft fees. until a few months ago, i was a customer at a prominent bank in my town where i no longer am a customer th