Victorious from a January move to limit payday lending profitability in El Paso, leaders of Border Interfaith and El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization (EPISO) are setting their sights on statewide legislation.

Eloiso De Avila, co-chair of EPISO, said more state regulation is needed because many Texans live in places without ordinances like the one they won in El Paso. The state legislation that failed last year would have pegged the maximum allowable loan to a borrower's monthly income and capped the number of times a borrower could refinance a loan.

"The people who go to the payday lenders are already at the end of their rope,' argued De Avila. "We realize there's a need, but God, don't gouge them."

Thousands Lose Cars Amid Calls for Loan Restrictions, Texas Tribune

EPISO & Border Interfaith Pass Payday Lending Reform in El Paso, El Paso Times