Stability through uncertainty

There’s a lot of uncertainty in Washington right now, with everything from the rulemaking process to the status of government funding up in the air. While there is a lot happening outside of our control, we can’t lose sight of what we can control, and that’s reaffirming the credit union difference at every possible opportunity. Credit unions need to be there for their members. And we are here for credit unions.

We must keep a laser focus on showing policymakers that credit unions are mission-focused, and serving their very own constituents, despite all the unnecessary regulatory burdens placed on them. Despite bankers working hard to threaten the credit union tax exemption, as was recently highlighted in American Banker.

One of our movement’s strengths is its appeal to folks of all political backgrounds, with credit unions’ focus on improving peoples’ lives.

Now, more than ever, we must tell our story. And we must tell it now. We’re less than 10 days away from making our unified voice clear to policymakers face-to-face during the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). Thousands of credit union advocates will meet with just about every office on Capitol Hill to show how credit unions are the solution to not only getting the economy back on track, but growing it.

Credit unions are still the best consumer protectors around, and it’s with your support we’ll amplify that fact. Using our unified voice to cut through the noise and enable credit unions to keep making a difference that’s life-changing for people across the country.

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Credit unions winning means consumers do, too

I sent a strong message that Congress should support consumers by protecting the credit union tax status in my op-ed for RealClearMarkets this week, responding to the latest falsehood-filled banker attack on credit unions. While bank lobbyists complain about an uneven playing field, the truth is that changing the credit union tax status would jeopardize the financial well-being of farmers, veterans, teachers, and underserved communities already left behind by banks. Instead, credit unions are critical to helping those groups, and Congress should find news ways to support them.

Read the op-ed here

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Senate bill introduced to update board meeting requirements

Sens. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., introduced a bipartisan Senate Credit Union Board Modernization Act. Passed by the House via voice vote last week, this bill would allow boards of well-run federal credit unions to meet as few as six times per year (down from every month as currently required). We appreciate the continued bipartisan work to advance credit union priorities, and will look to advance this bill through the Senate.

Read more here

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Relentless advocacy to protect, advance, and empower credit unions:?

• The White House issued an executive order requiring departments and agencies under the executive branch (including NCUA and CFPB) to submit all actions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs prior to publication. We weighed in on the impact of that executive order as the only financial services trade association quoted in the Feb. 18 American Banker article. ??
• The White House issued another executive order late Wednesday evening requiring the CFPB to terminate its Credit Union Advisory Council. We weighed in on this order, reaffirming our commitment to engage directly with CFPB leadership. ?
• We urged House and Senate leaders to move quickly on its resolution of disapproval for the CFPB’s overdraft rule.
• We called for targeted changes to the CFPB’s No-Action Letter program, while noting how it helps bolster innovation in financial services.?
• We wrote that the National Cyber Incident Response Plan should promote a streamlined, non-duplicative framework for credit unions. ?

Stacey Hanke to deliver GAC closing keynote on elevating influence?

Communication expert and hall of fame speaker Stacey Hanke will take the stage at GAC 2025 as the closing keynote speaker, bringing powerful insights on elevating influence through storytelling. A clear and compelling narrative is essential for impact in today’s fast-paced environment. Stacey will share practical strategies to enhance storytelling, build trust, and drive action Monday to Monday?. From brevity to consistency, she will show how intentional communication sets leaders apart.

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Virtual GAC: Experience GAC from anywhere

GAC’s online experience is now open and available, providing a dynamic way to take part in our premier advocacy event from anywhere. By registering for our online experience, you will have access to live-streamed key sessions, critical policy discussions, and exclusive content designed to bring the impact of GAC directly to you. Whether tuning in for legislative insights or leadership conversations, this is your chance to stay informed and connected from your home, office, or wherever you choose to be.

Register for the Virtual GAC here

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GAO extends deadline to sign up for cannabis banking focus groups

The Government Accountability Office is hosting virtual cannabis banking focus groups and has extended its deadline to recruit credit unions to participate. Financial institutions that currently do and do not provide cannabis banking services are needed for the study, which is investigating how cannabis-related businesses and their employees access financial services. You can learn more about the focus groups here; interested participants can sign up using this form by Feb. 28.