Message from the Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer:

At our Board meeting in September, we voted to oppose two items that will appear on the ballot in Arizona this November.

The first is Proposition 200, which asks voters to ‘reform’ Pay Day Loan Companies. This bill is actually sponsored by these Loan companies who prey on those who have little money, and who charge interest rates on their loans that exceed 400% APR. The ‘reform’ would lower that rate to 381%APR, and give the loan companies electronic access to the bank accounts of those who take out these loans.

The second is Proposition 102, which asks Arizona voters to amend the state Constitution to define a marriage as between a man and a woman.

For information about either of these Propositions, which are opposed by the Southwest Conference, you can go to the Websites earmarked below. We will be posting more information about these items, so check here periodically to stay up to date with current information.

No on 200: It's no reform at all. Arizonans for responsible lending  
    (http://www.200isnoreform.com/)

Arizona Ecumenical Council Resolution regarding 2008 Ballot Initiative, Prop 200
    (http://www.aecunity.net/Resources/Prop200PaydayLoanInitiative/tabid/46499/Default.aspx)