Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

Habitat for Humanity Lake County, Illinois

From: Julie Donovan [mailto:jdonovan@habitatlc.org]
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 9:20 AM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50

Hello,

In my work with the low-income population of northern Illinois I am alarmed at the proposed legislation to allow banks with assets above $250 million to be examined as small banks under the Community Reinvestment Act. I strongly oppose the FDIC's proposal because this policy would reduce lending, investments and services in low-income communities. Daily I see people struggling with their finances who utilize the corner “paycheck cashing -money to go banking system” instead of being able to access true banking systems. I invest a great deal of time teaching people about banking and attempting to convince them that “banks are their friend”. I am appalled that the FDIC would propose a policy which is a gigantic step backward to developing customers in this ever-growing segment of our population.

Julie Donovan
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Lake County, Illinois
315 N. MLK Jr Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085