TOPEKA, Kan. (2/12/15)--A record number of Kansas credit union representatives swarmed Topeka Tuesday for the Kansas Credit Union Association's (KCUA) annual Day at the Capitol event.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, left, chats with Jette DeSalvo, representing Golden Plains CU, Garden City, Kan. (Kansas Credit Union Association Photo)

More than 180 credit union staff and volunteers from 29 credit unions were in attendance, a step up from the 152 attendees at last year's event.

While high levels of attendance often signal that an important bill is being considered in the Legislature, Haley DeVee, KCUA vice president of governmental affairs and association services, said this year that wasn't necessarily the case.

"While there are a number of issues that we are actively lobbying on behalf of credit unions, there's not a single piece of legislation that can explain the uptick in attendance," DeVee said (Vision Feb. 6). "One factor that may have something to do with it is the number of newly elected legislators that our credit unions want to interact with at the statehouse."

After opening remarks welcoming credit unions to the Capitol by Sen. Jeff Longbine (R-Emporia) and Rep. Pete DeGraaf (R-Mulvane), chairs of the Senate and House financial institutions committees respectively, attendees met with newly elected lawmakers. 

Delegates highlighted the credit union difference and the health of the credit union movement, while also voicing concerns over burdensome regulations and the associated costs.

Credit union staffers also described the industry's efforts in youth financial literacy and urged lawmakers to pass "patent troll" legislation.

Participants later attended a legislative leadership panel with Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka), House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs (D-Kansas City) and Speaker of the House Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell).