Payday lending clash pits faith groups against industry in Virginia
Virginia faces a high stakes fight over payday loans as religious groups, NAACP, AARP and local governments join anti loan advocates against lenders with deep lobbying, ads, and donations. Debate centers on capping rates at 36 percent amid a beefed up industry and renewed legislative push.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richmond, Va
David
Goliath
Naacp Aarp Better Business Bureaus of
Virginia
General Assembly
David and
C. Douglas Smith
Virginia Interfaith Center For Public Policy
Smith
del. Harvey Morgan
Gloucester
Community Financial Services Association
Industry Trade
PayDay Lenders and Opponents Mobilize in Payday Debate
A look at both sides on payday lending shows a $10 million industry campaign touting short term loans as a bridge between paychecks. Lenders offer extended payment plans and display APR posters while opponents rally church leaders protest outside stores and urge caps on interest rates. Local governments have passed resolutions, AARP coordinates calls to lawmakers, and volunteers canvass districts as lobbyists push bills. Both sides engage in op-eds and public forums.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Virginia
Association
Jay Johnson
Virginia Organizing Project
State Bureau of Financial Institutions
Johnson
Payday
General Assembly
Richmond
Linda Clark
Danville
Clark
Jamie Fulmer
Advance America
Cash Advance Centers Inc
Cox
Fairfax
Richard Saslaw
Senate
Saslaw
AARP
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Oregon
Fulmer
Washington, D.C
Maryland
North Carolina
West Virginia
Newport News
Ward R. Scull III
Smyth
del. Kirkland Cox
House
Senate Labor and Commerce Committee
Timothy M. Kaine
Commonwealth
The
Pipestem
Watkins
Pipestem Park
Indian Ridge Road
Pipestem Knob
S & S Wireless
North Street
Bluefield
US. Cellular
Eric Tasukelale
Mercer Insurance Associates
Thorn Street
Princeton
U.S. Cellular
Motorazr’ Vom
Ecdge Ge Plan
Motorola
U.S
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Uscellular.com
Easyedge
Easyedge U.S. Cellular
Motoroka