From: Melinda Lewis
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 11:02 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50
As a representative of a community development corporation that
works closely with many financial institutions to provide economic
opportunities to low-income residents and to support economic development
in our most blighted communities, I oppose the FDIC's proposal to
allow banks with assets above $250 million to be examined as small
banks under the Community Reinvestment Act. This policy would reduce
lending, investments and services in low-income communities and would
seriously hinder our ability to continue our successful track record
of revitalization. Economic disparities continue to plague our nation,
and the CRA has been an important tool in attempting to address them.
It continues to be needed in our communities.
Melinda K. Lewis, LMSW
Director of Policy Advocacy and Research
El Centro, Inc.
650 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS
