Chapter 17 - Storming the Capital
As the Brooks Foundation expanded its micro-grant programs, traditional financial institutions began lobbying state lawmakers to restrict non-bank entities from issuing zero-interest community loans. The banking lobby argued that the foundation was operating an unregulated banking system that disrupted local economies.
Noah was summoned to testify before a Senate subcommittee in Washington, D.C. Facing a row of stern legislators and high-priced bank lawyers, Noah stood at the podium wearing the same modest dark suit he had worn to his first board meeting. Instead of presenting legal briefs, he placed a single wooden box on the table. Inside were hundreds of paid-off micro-loan receipts from small-town tailors, mechanics, farmers, and bakers. "These aren't financial transactions, Senators," Noah said calmly. "These are promises kept. If compassion is illegal under your banking laws, then your laws are broken, not our hearts."
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