WCAT Radio The Open Door (November 10, 2017)

Banking and Finance in the Public Interest. Access to capital is necessary for families and small businesses to prosper. Ensuring widespread access to credit on fair lending terms is essential to building shared prosperity and stable communities.We, therefore, support:The operation of credit and similar financial institutions in the interests of borrowers and lenders, not stock market speculators, and the advancement of credit unions, mutual insurance companies, and other cooperative forms of ownership for financial enterprises.The application of antitrust regulations and other regulatory authority in order to prevent the expansion of out-sized credit institutions, stop institutions “too big to fail” from forming, and end taxpayer bailouts for the shareholders of publicly-traded banks and financial institutions.Restoration of the historic separation of banks and investment houses.Careful oversight and regulation of financial services companies and professionals to ensure guidance is in the best interest of the consumer.Addressing the student loan crisis by subsidizing extended low interest rate and partial forgiveness, and restoring the ability to discharge student loans in bankruptcy.Increasing regulation and controls on alternative forms of credit and finance such as payday loan and title loan stores, money transfer businesses, and Bitcoin.Regulation of the credit card industry and prohibition of usurious interest rates and unfair business practices.Greater transparency and legal responsibility on the part of creditors and vendors for vigilance against fraudulent activity, such as identity theft.