By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-890536.mp3
Frankfort, KY – A Kentucky House bill capping annual interest on payday loans at 36-percent is dead. The bill, sponsored by Louisville Rep. Darryl Owens, was assigned to the Banking and Insurance Committee in early February, but never emerged. Committee Chairman Jeff Greer wants to see what a payday loan tracking system turns up before placing new restrictions on the industry. Owens says he will try again next year. He says payday lenders prey on the poor and trap them in endless cycles of debt. The industry denies it and says it simply offers a much-needed service for families who can't obtain loans from banks and other commercial outlets.