Researcher
A Case for Post-Purchase Support Programs as Part of Minnesota’s EmergingMarkets Homeownership Initiative
Abstract: The State of Minnesota’s Emerging Markets Homeownership Initiative (EMHI) seeks to boost homeownership rates among Minnesota’s “emerging markets,” defined as households of color, non-English speaking households, and households in which English is a second language. Many of the implementation strategies in the EMHI Business Plan address general barriers to homeownership and should increase the number of emerging market households that become first-time homeowners. EMHI doesn’t stop there, however.
The Household Spending Response to the 2003 Tax Cut: Evidence from Survey Data
Abstract: The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 has been described as textbook fiscal stimulus. Using household survey data on the self-reported qualitative response to the tax cuts, we estimate that the boost to aggregate personal consumption expenditures from the child credit rebate and the reduction in withholdings raised the average level of real GDP in the second half of 2003 by 0.2 percent and by 0.3 percent in the first half of 2004.
Searching for Age and Gender Discrimination in Mortgage Lending
This paper tests for the presence of age and gender discrimination in the loan underwriting process. We modify the tools used during the past exams to test for racial discrimination and apply them here to test for the presence of disparate treatment on the basis of age and gender. Using HMDA data along with data from 18 fair lending exams recently conducted by the OCC, between1996 – 2001, we find no evidence of systematic discrimination on the basis of age or gender. Further, the tools used and tested for in this analysis are now readily available for use in future fair lending exams.
Credit Reporting Literacy: Consumers Understood the Basics but Could Benefit from Targeted Educational Efforts
This report responds to a mandate in the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) of 2003 requiring GAO to assess consumers’ understanding of credit reporting. Based on survey responses for a national sample of 1,578 consumers, GAO found that consumers understood the basics of credit reporting and the dispute process, although most consumers did not fully understand their rights in the dispute process. GAO also found that several factors were associated with consumers’ knowledge.
Highlights of a GAO Forum: The Federal Government's Role in Improving Financial Literacy
In July 28, 2004, GAO hosted a forum on the role of the federal government in improving financial literacy. Forum participants included experts in financial literacy and education from federal and state agencies, the financial industry, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. This report summarizes highlights of participants' discussion on the topics federal efforts should cover, populations that should be targeted, methods of delivering information, and the role of program evaluation.