BOSTON -- State lawmakers are dealing with the news of a record surge in foreclosures across the state.

NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick reported Tuesday that nearly 20,000 homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings in 2006, and now, Secretary of State William Galvin is calling for an immediate halt to all foreclosures in Massachusetts.

Galvin is proposing emergency legislation Tuesday that would give homeowners a chance to take their cases to court. Galvin said tens of thousands of people in Massachusetts are "pre-homeless" because they're about to lose their homes to foreclosure.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino will also be there to fight for major changes in the foreclosure process. Menino said there needs to be clearer lender disclosures so home buyers know exactly what they're paying. He recommends loan officers be forced to reveal the cost of a mortgage over 10 years.

Menino said that he wants a 60-day waiting period for lenders who are seeking to foreclose.

Galvin said that he wants all foreclosure cases to be heard by a judge to give thousands of homeowners a chance to plead their own cases in court. He is also testifying before lawmakers considering three bills intended to impose greater regulation and oversight over mortgage lenders.