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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

House passes payday lending bill by a single vote

Here's a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill seeking to let Idaho dictate how much payday lenders can give borrowers passed the House Monday by only one vote. The 35-34 decision came after several lawmakers said they had issues with the bill, which limits loan size and lets borrowers set up interest-free payment plans if they hit a financial snag. Boise Democrat Rep. Phylis King said letting borrowers take out loans of up to 25 percent of their monthly income was still too much, suggesting the amount be closer to 5 percent. Others worried loan-seekers could circumvent the parameters by visiting multiple lenders in one day. Proponents say it gives breathing room to borrowers when unexpected financial woes prevent them from returning the money. Idaho's governor will now decide whether to sign the measure into law.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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