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In preparation for today’s hearing, NAFCU Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler wrote a letter to the House Financial Services Committee Tuesday advocating for the role of community developmental financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs) in their communities.

“As the Committee examines approaches to aid CDFIs and MDIs, we believe it is important to properly fund federal support for CDFIs and MDIs,” wrote Thaler. “This includes increased funding through the annual appropriations process for both the CDFI Fund and the NCUA’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF).”

Thaler continues the letter urging the committee to consider the following to assist CDFI and MDI credit unions:

• improve and streamline the process for certification as a CDFI;
• allow all credit unions to serve underserved areas;
• implement longer loan maturity limits for consumers;
• allow government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to purchase non-conforming loans from CDFIs;
• urge the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to introduce additional programs that provide insurance for CDFI loans and make it easier to have access to FHA-backed mortgage products;
• simplify the cost of compliance for de novo credit unions; and
• support the NCUA in its efforts to permit credit unions to issue subordinated debt.

“Taking the steps outline above would go a long way to helping meet the needs of CDFIs and allowing us to meet the challenges that arise,” concluded Thaler. “We thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts and look forward to continuing to work with you on improving CDFIs and MDIs so they can continue to serve the economy and their communities.”

Last week, President and CEO of JetStream Federal Credit Union Jeanne Kucey testified on behalf of NAFCU before the Senate Banking Committee, highlighting the role of CDFIs and MDIs in their communities. During her testimony, Kucey touched on the credit union difference and the industry’s commitment to serve underserved communities, including the ones her credit union serves in both Florida and Puerto Rico.

Read the letter here. NAFCU will continue to advocate on behalf of MDI and CDFI certified credit unions, as they play an integral role in providing resources to underserved, minority communities and populations.