From: G. Richard Degen [mailto:GRDegen@hillcrestbank.com]
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 11:07 AM
To: Comments
Cc: Thomas J. Davies; Jeff Wheeler; Patricia A. Humphrey; paul@kcventuregroup.com
Subject: Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program -- Debt Guarantee Program

The purpose of this e-mail is to express our concern regarding the 75 basis point fee cost of the program. We feel that the fee is too high relative to current market rates, including Fed Funds. It is our opinion that the rate in the program be reduced to a much lower flat rate (say 25 basis points) or indexed to the Fed Funds Target Rate.

Thank you for your consideration.

G. Richard Degen
G. Richard Degen
EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Hillcrest Bank
11111 W. 95th Street
Overland Park, KS 66214
913-324-6161
913-859-9115 fax
GRDegen@hillcrestbank.com