From: Bethany J. Fleishman [mailto:Bethany.J.Fleishman@Dartmouth.EDU]
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 3:45 PM
To: Comments
Subject: New FDIC Rule
I am writing to express opposition to the FDIC's August 20, 2004,
proposed rule that would exempt some 96% of all FDIC-regulated banks
from many of the requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
CRA has helped leverage billions of dollars in resources for decent and
affordable housing over the past two and a half decades. Housing
conditions are a vital factor in the health of occupants, and older,
low-income properties in substandard condition typically present the
greatest health risks. The proposed rule will undermine the ability of
advocates for healthy homes to convince banks to address healthy housing
conditions and affordability in low-income communities.