Payday loans useful options

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 28, 2008

The Salt Lake City Council shouldn't be interfering with the personal finances of its constituents ("Salt Lake seeks lender limits," Sept. 25). Council members and the City Planning Commission fail to acknowledge that payday lenders are a useful tool for borrowers in need of short-term financial assistance.

In the absence of payday loans, consumers are forced to turn to more expensive alternatives. In fact, a 2007 Federal Reserve Bank of New York study showed that when payday loans were banned, there was an increase in bounced checks and bankruptcy filings. Taking away credit options only hurts consumers. Borrowers are best served when they have more choices to pick from -- not when elitist politicians eliminate what is for many their best option.

Tim Miller

Communications director

Center for Consumer Freedom

Washington, D.C.