Today’s News-Herald carried a great editorial on Ohio legislation:

It can happen to anyone, at any time. Maybe a sudden car repair. Perhaps an emergency at home. It could be a medical problem.

You need cash now.

Family and friends can’ t help, so you head for the local payday lender.

But, if a bill that passed the Ohio House of Representatives last week becomes law, they won’t be able to help much longer.

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We applaud the bipartisan effort, but wonder if the Ohio House went too far.

Payday lenders – about 1,600 stores statewide – had 2,000 people rally Tuesday at the State Capitol in protest.

They’re angry because the bill would eliminate about 6,000 jobs in Ohio.

This industry is shrouded with mystery, offering short-term solutions for those with bad credit. In this economy, it’s inevitable it would be looked at with skepticism.

But the bill’s focus evolved from adopting tighter regulations to closing the businesses.

That shouldn’t be the General Assembly’s intent.