NY Clergy Express Concern About GSE Reform that Would Favor Big Banks, Shortchange Minority Communities
October 6, 2016
A group of New York Baptist clergy, mostly in Harlem and the Bronx, has joined the chorus of those raising concerns about potential Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform efforts that would compromise affordable housing goals. In a letter to Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, the 38 religious leaders echoed fears raised by other groups that Congress might hand the government-sponsored enterprises’ business over to big banks. They contend that the biggest banks have “consistently displayed a disinterest” in lending to minority-based communities and lack a “duty to serve” commitment comparable to the one the GSEs have. “Efforts to transfer the mortgage securitization platforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into the hands of the big banks create...