news.cuna.org/articles/121614-leagues-credit-unions-from-9-states-visit-dc-policymakers
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Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., (second from left) speaks with New York credit union leaders in Washington, D.C. (NYCUA photo)

Leagues, credit unions from 9 states visit D.C. policymakers

October 6, 2022

Six credit union Leagues representing nine states came to Washington, D.C. the final week of September to wrap up a month of hill visits and strong credit union advocacy. Leagues and credit unions met with legislators on Capitol Hill and Credit Union House, with policymakers, and CUNA staff. 

The Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL) brought more than 30 advocates on their visits, meeting with Senators and Representatives from both states. 

“We had a great couple of days of meetings,” said CCUL Vice President of Governmental Affairs Billy Boylston. “On issues such as interchange, CDFI recertification, and the Credit Union Board Modernization Act – which the House passed on Thursday – our timing could not have been better.”

“I’m encouraged on the interchange front to hear the positions of Sen. Scott, who serves on the Banking committee, and Rep. McHenry, ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee,” Boylston continued. “We must remain vigilant on this issue, but we had great impact last week with our presence.”

The Cornerstone League and more than two dozen leaders met with CUNA staff at its Washington, D.C. office, NCUA board member Rodney Hood and other regulators, and 25 elected officials from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. 

“This year’s Hike the Hill provided us an opportunity to interact with representatives from the CFPB, FHFA, and the Financial Standards Accounting Board,” said Steve Gilman, director of political advocacy and community relations for First Service Credit Union. “In addition, we had several productive meetings with our elected officials, including an in-person visit with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. A measure of success for our efforts was the passing of H.R. 6889, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives while we were in D.C.”

The Kentucky Credit Union League hosted Reps. Andy Barr, R-Ky., and John Rose, R-Ky., as well as NCUA Vice Chairman Kyle Hauptman and board member Rodney Hood at Credit Union House

The Michigan Credit Union League brought nearly 40 advocates to Washington, D.C., for their first in-person visits since 2019. They met with the majority of the state's Congressional delegation to discuss credit union modernization, interchange, and more. 

"Once again, the MCUL team did a phenomenal job in organizing this year’s Hike the Hill," said Christian Financial Credit Union CEO Patty Campbell. "The opportunity for credit union leaders to meet directly with the elected delegation from Michigan in one-on-one meetings to discuss the issues important to credit unions and our members, is key to the success of maintaining and strengthening our charter and future. To see government in action and how you can personally help to shape the future for consumers is an amazing experience."

The New York Credit Union Association met with members of their Congressional delegation, including Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The Tennessee Credit Union League and Tennessee credit unions met with members of Congress to advance policies to help credit unions do more for members.