FORT WORTH—The Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission presented Wendy Davis, a state senator from Fort Worth, its Horizon Award for leadership in public service.
The CLC honored Davis for her efforts to curb predatory lending practices in the state. Davis received the award at a luncheon jointly sponsored by the CLC and the Baptist Center for Ethics during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship general assembly in Fort Worth.
Wendy Davis (right), a state senator from Fort Worth, receives the Horizon Award from the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, presented by CLC Director Suzii Paynter. (BGCT PHOTO)
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"Many people in Texas now have become consumers of payday loans … that trap them in a cycle of debt," Davis said, expressing a desire to make "a difference in the lives of people so terribly impacted by this."
Davis was the author of two bills that sought to reign in abusive, high-cost payday and auto title lending. One bill sought to ensure that Texas service members received the protections afforded them under the federal Military Lending Act that had gone unenforced in Texas.
"The passion and knowledge that Sen. Davis displayed this session on behalf of borrowers pushed reform efforts further than we ever expected," said CLC Director Suzii Paynter. "Though there is work that remains, our gains would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Sen. Davis and her staff. The early committee hearing and vote her bills received in the Senate put us on the right path towards reform. We are thankful and proud to have worked with such a dedicated public servant on an issue of such importance to the families of this state."
The Horizon Award, formerly given to recognize contributions to senior adult ministry, has been repurposed to acknowledge significant contributions to public policy issues of importance to the CLC. The award will be given to a handful of elected officials following each legislative session. This is the first year the newly focused award has been given to public policy leaders.
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