Norton Writes Geithner to Keep Small Savers Open (09/14/2010)

Norton Writes Geithner to Keep Small Savers Open

September 14, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released her letter to U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner concerning the potential closing of the Small Savers Child Development Center. Small Savers was established in 1986 in the building that housed the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, now the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), at the request of employees who wanted an on-site child care center. In the letter, Norton said, "The Department of the Treasury, through OTS, has worked successfully to help maintain Small Savers in the past. In light of this longstanding relationship, I believe it is your responsibility to help locate appropriate space for this valued child care center." The future of Small Savers, which cares for approximately 75 children and reportedly has a 12-month enrollment waiting list, is in jeopardy of closing as an unintended result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Norton, whose office has received calls from concerned community members, asked Secretary Geithner to let her know what action he intends to take.

The Congresswoman's full letter is below.

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Timothy F. Geithner

Secretary

U.S. Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Geithner:

By now I hope you are personally aware of the displacement of Small Savers Child Development Center (Small Savers), a non-profit day care facility for federal and non-federal employees located in the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) building on G Street. In 1986, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (predecessor agency to OTS) agreed to provide space and utilities for Small Savers, which has provided indispensable child care for nearly twenty-five years and serves approximately 75 families of area constituents. However, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which abolishes the OTS, Small Savers will be left without a facility.

The Department of the Treasury, through OTS, has worked successfully to help maintain Small Savers in the past. In light of this longstanding relationship, I believe it is your responsibility to help to locate appropriate space for this valued child care center. Kindly let me know what action you intend to take. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,