A hearing in the House Financial Institutions, Real Estate & Securities Committee just ended.  This is the first story.   We’ll provide more updates as they come in, but D. Lynn DeVault, CFSA President, testified on behalf of the payday lending industry. The word on the street is she did a great job talking about the business of payday lending . DeVault explained in detail why 36% APR would force lenders in Ohio to shutter their doors.     

The story below describes how credit unions in Ohio are getting into the short-term loan business.   One credit union is offering an 18% loan, BUT with a $35 sign-up fee.  The reporter didn’t bother to calculate the total cost of that type of loan compared to a payday advance.  Lisa Ferguson of Checksmart Financial, a CFSA board member company, is quoted giving the industry point of view.   

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/03/01/sns030208loans.html