Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree
MS
Advisor
Jan Kregel, Ph.D. & Martha Tepepa, Ph.D.
Abstract
America has long been considered the land of opportunity. However, the American Dream’s attainability has not been widespread. Instead, wealth continues to be funneled into the hands of the select few. In an effort to combat income inequality and to provide capital reinvestment for historically left behind groups, Congress enacted the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) in 1977. The idea behind the legislation was to stimulate lending and extend credit to areas that were affected by redlining, classism, or other prejudicial practices that enabled income inequality. This thesis aims to analyze the legislation to understand both the strengths and weaknesses of the CRA. It will also provide recommendations on how to build upon the strengths of the bill and how to eliminate the shortcomings. The analysis will also explore how the US financial system could facilitate equitable outcomes.
Access Control
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Raefski, Jonathan, "The Community Reinvestment Act: Reimagined" (2022). Theses - Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy. 45.
https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/levy_ms/45