Keeping credit unions top of mind with key lawmakers
Jim Nussle
Chief Executive Officer, AMERICA’S CREDIT UNIONS. Our mission is to advocate for and advance an environment where credit unions thrive.
America's Credit Unions is leading the effort to bring credit union advocates to Capitol Hill, and we’re working together with leagues and credit unions to pound the pavement to protect the credit union tax status. We’re supporting an increasing number of credit union leaders on their visits to Capitol Hill, and many more visits are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Right now, our primary focus is meeting with key members of tax writing committees. I joined our advocacy team for a series of those meetings this week. They were very productive, but also reinforced that we cannot become complacent.
This is the kind of face-to-face advocacy needed to get things done. And credit union participation is central to our success. America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy team and leagues are there to provide resources and support, but credit unions are the star of the show.
Credit unions are doing the work to help their members every day, and they know what policymakers can do to help them do even more. Quite frankly, that’s what elected officials want to hear.
Lawmakers don’t want people who just complain and ask for handouts, or for special treatment. They want people who come in with solutions and ideas to improve constituents’ lives, and data to support it. Credit unions have that covered. That problem-solving mindset, combined with your efforts in building relationships and sharing the credit union difference, has laid the groundwork for this moment.
Our advocacy also includes key engagement with administration officials as they take office. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was confirmed this week, and we immediately reached out to set up meetings.
Thank you to all who are connecting with legislators back home, and those who have traveled to D.C. this year or plan to visit in the next few months—including everyone who is joining us for what will be an incredible Governmental Affairs Conference.
If you are looking for ways to get involved, check out our resources to activate your members and staff in support of the credit union difference and tax status.
As policies change, new leaders take office, and priorities shift, having a consistent and unified credit union voice on Capitol Hill is how we keep our priorities top of mind.
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