PHOENIX — The fight over payday lending in Arizona could be headed to the ballot box this November with Arizona credit unions adopting an informal hands-off stance opting instead for a greater financial education push in the schools and public forums.
"Payday lending is simply not going to go away so our approach is to push for more Real Solutions programs to educate the public on the dangers," explained Pat Bodnar, senior vice president of the Arizona Credit Union System referring to the National Credit Union Foundation program to provide alternative products through league campaigns.
Like other state leagues, the Arizona system has deplored the payday tactics but is choosing to steer clear of any outright opposition to a referendum pursued by the payday industry to eliminate a provision in state law which would force the industry to effectively close down in 2010. The Arizonans for Financial Reform is seeking 150,000 signatures to put the issue on the Nov. 4 ballot by a July 3 deadline.
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Separately, a group of Arizona lawmakers led by Rep. Marian McClure, (R-Phoenix) complain the more than 663 payday outlets in the state are threatening economic well-being. She is soliciting signatures for a November initiative to force payday closings by Oct. 30, 2009. Rep. McClure has accused Arizonans for Financial Reform of engaging in a ruse through the referendum to continue its Arizona expansion.
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