Amid concern that many Californians would not qualify for assistance from the federal anti-foreclosure plan, a powerful state legislator called on the Obama administration to make more homeowners eligible.

The plan limits federal refinancing assistance to people who owe just a small amount, 5% or less, over what their homes are worth.

But Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), who has a strong interest in lending issues, said Friday that that’s not enough to help Californians, many of whom owe significantly more than that.