While most of Congress was away from the nation’s capital during the month of August, credit union advocacy continued in their home districts as Leagues and credit unions connected with policymakers to advocate for credit union priorities. After CUNA provided Leagues and credit unions with resources to address data security, cannabis banking and a provision to keep out of the National Defense Authorization Act, the organizations brought those concerns face-to-face in more than 40 meetings around the country.
Before August was officially underway, Consumers CU, Gurnee, Ill., hosted a luncheon for state legislators and staff of federal legislators. Consumers CU President/CEO Sean Rathjen said the primary goal was an exchange of priorities between the legislators, their constituents and the communities they represent.
In Westbrook, Maine, the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent welcomed Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to their headquarters to discuss data security issues and provide Collins with an overview of how the state’s credit unions protect member data.
In North and South Carolina, the Carolinas Credit Union League spent August meeting with current and hopeful members of Congress at various events with member credit unions.
On the other coast, credit union leaders from the northwest met in Olympia, Wash. with NCUA board member Todd Harper and Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.).
In the midwest, Dupcao Community CU led Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa) on a tour through their operations center/community reinvestment project in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District, while other credit unions hosted discussions with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Cindy Axne (D-Iowa).
Credit unions and leagues from around the country also shared photos and thanks from their visits on social media. See below for more information about how credit unions connected with lawmakers in August.
#CCULadvocacy is making the most of August recess by meeting with lawmakers here in the Carolinas. Thank you, @RepTomRice and Sen. @LukeRankinSC for taking time to chat with us! (@CUNA) pic.twitter.com/l5Og4CjIvX
— Carolinas CU League (@TheCCUL) July 31, 2019
It's a hike group so big it doesn't even fit in frame! We were honored to sit down with Rep @houstongaines & #Athens area #creditunions last week; thank you for your time and insight! pic.twitter.com/5xXEmANTyb
— GCUA Gov Influence (@GCUAGov) August 5, 2019
Credit unions in east Alabama discussed key issues with Congressman Mike Rogers today. Thank you @RepMikeRogersAL for visiting with us during the August recess. #creditunions pic.twitter.com/32DVjsXIzj
— AL Credit Union Assn (@ALCreditUnions) August 27, 2019
Today, Activists attended a credit union luncheon with House Financial Services Committee member @RepSeanDuffy (R-Wausau). He commended credit unions for making Wisconsin communities stronger and healthier. Thank you, Congressman Duffy! pic.twitter.com/b8exp1nGqL
— WI Credit Union League (@WICULeague) August 22, 2019
#WeAreOCUL is kicking off the week by supporting one of the Movement’s biggest champions: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. Ohio #creditunions are better able to serve their members thanks to her leadership on the House Financial Services Committee. #weCUadvocating pic.twitter.com/8qtPyOLvbz
— Ohio CU League (@WeAreOCUL) August 26, 2019
Our executive director of advocacy @AmyMcLard shared credit union input in an affordable housing roundtable with @RepBlaine (R-MO District 3) in Jefferson City. pic.twitter.com/76v7OBtzhl
— Heartland CUA (@HeartlandCUA) August 25, 2019
Our Pueblo Area Credit Union leaders hosted the Honorable @RepTipton and talked about issues affecting our members and consumers in the Pueblo Area. #PeopleHelpingPeople #365Advocacy pic.twitter.com/ufJa66yQ38
— Mountain West CUA (@mwcua) August 26, 2019
Thank you @FHLBDM for hosting today’s affordable housing Roundtable with @RepTomEmmer. @mncreditunions pic.twitter.com/RN6QHSeN2Q
— Mark Cummins (@Mark_D_Cummins) August 23, 2019