Barney Frank, a progressive Democrat who led significant financial reforms, has passed away at 86. He spent his final months in hospice care in Maine with his spouse, Jim Ready.
Frank's career spanned 32 years, advocating for various issues including abortion rights, environmental protection, and LGBTQ rights. He collaborated with Senator Chris Dodd to develop the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which aimed to reduce financial institution influence and safeguard consumers.
The act introduced reforms such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Financial Stability Oversight Council, and the abolition of taxpayer-funded bailouts for failing large banks.
Frank was a passionate supporter of LGBTQ rights, advocating for the repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act.
He is survived by his husband and three siblings. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated to be $1.5 million, a relatively modest amount compared to his peers in Washington.
