CUNA prepared for fast action on tax reform

CUNA prepared for fast action on tax reform: Your CUNA team is digging deep into the details of the massive tax reform package released yesterday by the House Ways and Means Committee. We're pleased that our not-for-profit tax status has been left untouched. We're also reviewing the proposal for any other provisions that may impact credit union operations. CUNA, the leagues, and credit unions have been hard at work, and we'll continue our fierce, 360-degree advocacy to ensure tax reform doesn't create any additional barriers to credit unions in serving their members. Please know that this legislation is just the first step in the long-awaited tax reform process. I can tell you from experience that continued advocacy will be critical throughout this process. We must remain engaged to ensure credit union interests are protected as the legislative "give and take" kicks in and the legislation changes. Please be on the lookout for action alerts from CUNA as we may need your involvement in this fast-moving legislation.

Multifront advocacy for ADA website guidance: At our urging, 61 bipartisan members of Congress, led by Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), have written the Department of Justice requesting action on its long-delayed rules related to website accessibility under the American with Disabilities Act. The League of Southeastern Credit Unions and the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues played key roles in this effort. Also this week, senior CUNA staff and I were joined by CUNA Mutual Group for a productive meeting with Department of Justice officials asking that they act to curtail the threat of frivolous and predatory legal action against credit unions.

CUNA partners with Cornerstone on state ballot issues: CUNA, utilizing our Member Activation Program, has partnered with the Cornerstone Credit Union League to support passage of two state ballot issues affecting credit unions in Texas. This multichannel campaign is also engaging voters with digital ads, social media, and direct mail. We're working to pass state initiatives that would modernize home equity lending laws and enable prize-linked savings accounts. We're working hard on this leading up to Election Day next week.

REMINDER – TCPA comments due Nov. 6: A quick reminder that the Nov. 6 deadline is approaching for credit union stakeholders to submit comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) supporting our Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) petition. We filed the petition last month, and the FCC opened it for comment a week later. Stakeholders can use Voter Voice at CUNA's Grassroots Action Center to submit comments on the petition. The website features a background of the TCPA, and an overview of the concerns that led CUNA to file its petition.

From a credit union to member of Congress: Five members of Congress are profiled this month in Credit Union Magazine. What makes this story special? Each of them has either worked for a credit union or served as a volunteer. I hope you'll take a moment to read about their experience and perspectives on how we can best advance our cause on Capitol Hill.  

Thank you Chairman Hensarling: House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling announced this week that he would not seek reelection. Back during my time as Budget chairman, he served on my committee and was a welcome voice calling for properly tailored regulations. We've got much to do during his remaining time on Capitol Hill and look forward to advancing the cause of improving the operating environment for credit unions with his support.

Here's your chance to serve: If you ever wanted to serve on CUNA's board of directors, here's your chance. Nominations are being accepted for eight open director positions, and deadlines kick in early next month. More information can be found here.

SHOUT OUT: The Mountain West Credit Union Association (MWCUA) secured good coverage for CULedger in a recent issue of Wyoming Business Report. Thanks to the league's efforts, the publication highlighted the fraud prevention potential of CULedger, a credit union consortium supported by CUNA and MWCUA. CULedger's work is particularly important in light of the Equifax data breach.

Thank you for your continued participation in and engagement with the CUNA/League system. If you have any issues you'd like CUNA to address, I encourage you to give me a call directly at 202-508-6745 or email me at [email protected]. 

All the best,  

Jim Nussle 

President and CEO