From: Margaret Bau [mailto:mauibau@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 2:53 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50
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.
Here in the rural community of Waushara County, our home care workers
co-op
received a $125,000 loan from Farmers State Bank of Waupaca. Without the
CRA, this bank would have had very little incentive to lend to our low
income group of certified nursing assistants. But thanks to the bank
(and
the CRA policy that spurred them on), our co-op business provides $1
million
in services to 125 elderly and disabled clients while providing fair
wages
and benefits to the caregivers. Our co-op was named a finalist in the
prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard
University
and is viewed as a model throughout the country. The CRA program played
an
important process in our history.
Please don't deny this opportunity to other low income rural
citizens.
