“If these folks are … attempting to or continuing to circumvent the intent of the law that was passed, then … I would suggest that we revisit that,” the governor told Statehouse reporters Feb. 19.

No Governor.  Companies are operating under two currently established Ohio laws, the Small Loan Act and the Ohio Mortgage Loan Act.  The new service was approved by the Ohio regulation authorities.

The harsh reality is some Ohioans need these businesses to pay for car repairs, an emergency at home or a medical bill.

Just when you lose faith in humanity by reading the Arizona Republic’s drivel below, you read some common sense from a small Ohio paper and you feel that God is in heaven and all is right with the world again. 

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.

***

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.