HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Community organizations and leaders in Hutchinson and Reno County will come together to hear stories and learn more about the impact of payday loans, including the need for payday lending reform, at A Community Conversation on Payday Loan Reform on Thursday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church at 1602 North Main in Hutchinson.
Concerned citizens are invited to learn more and give testimony to their experiences with predatory lending in Kansas. In collaboration with Topeka JUMP and the Kansans for Payday Loan Reform, several community organizations have come together for this conversation, including: Circles of Hope Reno County, Hutchinson Community Foundation, United Way of Reno County, Beyond Barriers, and the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The community conversation will allow people to share how payday loans have had an effect on them. Borrowers are likely to experience eviction, garnishment, job loss and loss of transportation when they can’t repay high-interest loan amounts.
Currently, payday lenders can charge Kansans as much as 391% in interest. Borrowers can borrow up to $500 but many of them are forced to borrow again and again to keep money for rent, bills, food, and gas.
State and local officials have been invited to attend.