‘No’ to rent-to-own

As the chair and the coordinator respectively of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Voice of the Poor committees in Madison and Milwaukee, we are astonished that the state Legislature is advancing legislation that would allow predatory rent-toown companies to set up shop in Wisconsin (“Assembly to pass bill to loosen rent-to-own rules,” Feb. 21).

Assembly Bill 759 exempts this industry from the Wisconsin Consumer Act and loosens consumer protections for some of the most vulnerable people in our state.

Vincentians have a special insight into predatory consumer practices because we are one of the few charitable organizations that regularly visit our clients in their own residences. In 2015, Vincentians across the United States made nearly 2 million visits to people in need and provided $1.2 billion in assistance (e.g., food, clothing, rent, utilities, car and home repairs).

This experience lets us see firsthand how those living in poverty often end up paying far more for consumer goods than those in the middle class. We cannot stand silently by as lawmakers encourage out-ofstate predatory rent-to-own companies to flood into Wisconsin.

Reputable rent-to-own companies do operate in Wisconsin. Wisconsin welcomes consumer protection, not bad actors.

James Penczykowski chair Madison E. Michael McCann coordinator Milwaukee St. Vincent de Paul Society Voice of the Poor