For more than a decade, payday lenders have preyed on some of our state's most vulnerable citizens, enabling them to get trapped in a vicious cycle of debt from which it became nearly impossible for many to escape.

Last year the General Assembly finally passed legislation cracking down on payday lenders and their predatory practices.

Turns out they didn't go down so easily.  They're back.  Some payday lenders created loopholes that have allowed them to skirt the law and avoid compliance with the reform measures passed last year.

I have joined efforts with a group of Democrats and Republicans from the House and Senate to sponsor S. 1065, a bill that will tie a knot in these loopholes.  Today we held a press conference amid the hustle and bustle of the State House lobby to call on the General Assembly to pass this important legislation.

The payday lending industry spends lots of money on powerful lobbyists and campaign contributions so passing reform legislation isn't easy.  It's going to take the voices of many ordinary citizens speaking out against these harmful practices to keep some of our most vulnerable citizens from falling into an unstoppable cycle of debt and hopelessness.

Together we can restore hope in South Carolina, and stopping predatory lending will put us a step closer to reaching that goal. 

Watch this video today and speak out in favor of S. 1065.