Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

Community Development Law Center

From: Leon Laptook [mailto:leon.laptook@lasoregon.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 10:37 AM
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.
The CRA works. if reporting requirements are onerous, they should be simplified, not eliminated. Without this important tool, communities will lack the leverage to insist that local lenders pay heed to the economic development and housing needs of the communities in which they are located.

Sincerely,
Leon Laptook, Co-Director
Community Development Law Center
921 SW Washington, Suite 454
Portland, OR