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December 27, 2019

U.S. Capitol at night

Washington, D.C.: Success for Credit Unions in 2019!

In Congress it’s easy to focus on all the noise regardless of political preferences; however, 2019 was a significant year for credit unions with the issues addressed to protect and advance the industry. This did not happen by accident, but by design...

Building blocks

Building Strong Connections: Meeting with Legislator

The state legislative session in Georgia will begin on January 13th, with a host of new issues that range from charter enhancements to credit union law, lending issues, lien law issues, and tax issues, to name just a few. And while the holidays are...

Grass

Year in Review: Grassroots Efforts of Credit Unions

In looking back on 2019 the year brought a year of strong, successful legislative and political activity by credit unions in Georgia. Just in the state Legislature alone there were more than 340 bills lobbied for credit unions in the session, with...

Clocks

It’s that Time of Year: Time for PZC!

December is an ideal window to run the free program that is unique for credit unions and provides a huge impact – Project Zip Code! A powerful data point that resonates with legislators when we meet with them is the actual number of members by...

December 13, 2019

U.S. Capitol and Christmas tree

Washington, D.C.: Changing Players and Issues on a Federal Level

December has already been an intense month on a federal level … in Georgia we’ve seen the appointment of Atlanta businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to fill the reminder of the term of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R), who is retiring at the end of December...

Webinar

Resource: Webinar on Remote Deposit Capture Lawsuits

If during the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving holidays you missed CUNA’s webinar on USAA remote deposit capture lawsuits, you can access the recording via this registration link. For a refresher on the issue: On November 6th a U.S. District...

Map of Georgia

State Legislature: Affordable Housing Hearings

In the past two weeks the state Legislature in Georgia has held almost 20 hearings to address issues ranging from scooters to health, infant mortality, tort reform and casinos, to name a few. If this high level of legislative activity is any...

Connections

Building Relationships for the Future

During 2019 there were in-district meetings with 29 state and federal legislators; however, two of those were “repeat” visits in the past two weeks! As with any strong relationship, positive legislative connections are built on regular interaction...

November 29, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving

Reason for Thanks: Credit Union Advocacy Efforts!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s a nice moment to pause and look back on 2019 to consider all the things to be thankful for in credit union advocacy … and there have been a lot! The year is not quite over, but as of November 28th we are thankful...

Washington street with lights

Congress: What Credit Unions Can Do to Shape the Issues

Congress adjourned last week on November 21st for the Thanksgiving recess, and when they return in December there are a variety of issues for credit unions that are still in play. These range from robocall legislation to BSA reform, removing...

Amplifier control knobs

State Legislative Hearings Leading Up to January

The state legislative session in Georgia is already upon us – while it does not “begin” until January 13th, that is a mere technicality as there have been a large number of pre-session hearings. These off-session hearings are where many of the...

Plant sprouting from soil

Growing Connections

Being engaged with legislators is a key component to advocacy. It’s important for legislators to know the impact of the industry in the districts, to recognize (and know) the people that lead them, and for credit unions to be engaged on a local...

November 15, 2019

Radar image

National Issue to Keep on Radar: Remote Deposit Court Decision

On November 6th a U.S. District Court jury awarded USAA $200 million in a patent infringement lawsuit against Wells Fargo regarding remote deposit capture (RDC). USAA filed the lawsuit in 2018 against Wells Fargo alleging that the bank infringed on...

Jefferson Memorial and fall leaves

Washington, D.C.: Advocacy on Real-Time Payments Proposal

There are several issues pending in Congress of note to credit unions, such as robocall legislation as well as removing the regulatory hurdles in providing financial services to cannabis-related businesses. But federal advocacy also pulls in the...

Register now

Registration Open: State GAC/Grassroots Academy!

The State GAC/Grassroots Academy returns on January 28th for its 12th anniversary; make plans to attend this annual state governmental affairs day for credit union leaders. Held around the Georgia legislative session, this event is an immersion into...

People rushing

Hard at Work: Engaging in Credit Union Advocacy

Activity in Congress has been intense all year, and the state legislative session in Georgia will begin on January 13th. However, given the level of activity, one could assume that session has already begun! Credit unions and their advocacy team...

November 1, 2019

Hiker

Georgia Credit Unions Hike the Hill in Washington

Last week credit union advocates traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress at the Hike the Hill. This Hike provided a well-timed opportunity to discuss the issues presently in play with federal legislators and key staff, share...

U.S. Capitol

Congressional Activity: U.S. House Passes Bill to Help Credit Unions

On October 22nd the U.S. House passed H.R. 2513, the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019. This legislation addresses the redundancies, unnecessary burdens, and opportunities for efficiencies within the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML)...

Superheroes

Advocacy Super Power? Growing Connections with Legislators!

Credit unions have an advocacy team dedicated to lobbying and growing influence for the industry, but they are just one of hundreds of other industry advocates working to help protect and advance the issues important to their respective interests...

Jack o' lanterns

Expanding Awareness: Credit Union Tour with State Representative

On October 30th State Rep. Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee) met with senior members of Peach State FCU for a tour of their headquarters right on the line of her district to help create a positive connection for the industry. Rep. Rich is in her first year...

October 18, 2019

Raised hands at sunset

Celebrating ICUDay Through Advocacy!

This week credit unions around the globe celebrated International Credit Union Day in a variety of ways, with member-focused events, proclamations, and joining in festivities with other credit unions in the area … four of the Georgia chapters met on...

D.C. skyline at dawn

Register Now: CUNA GAC in Washington, D.C.

Registration for the CUNA GAC is underway! The conference held from February 23rd – 27th unites thousands of credit union leaders in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate the strength of the industry, learn from peers and innovative thought...

Long desert highway

NCUA Field of Membership Issue Continues

Over a month after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld most of NCUA’s field of membership (FOM) rule, the American Bankers Association (ABA) petitioned the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to appeal the court’s...

Federal courthouse

Georgia Legislative Off-Session Hearings

The state Legislature in Georgia has had higher than normal off-session activity with multiple hearings coupled with budget committee meetings (and 13 hearings in the current week alone!). These hearings have touched a wide range of issues...

October 4, 2019

Georgia Capitol

Georgia Legislature Continues Off-Session Hearings

The state Legislature in Georgia continues to hold a very active off session with multiple hearings and budget committee meetings, ranging from fraud issues to rural development, business regulations, budget cuts, transportation and health/insurance...

Autumn trees

Growing Grassroots: Long-Term Connections

The editions of Creating Influence often highlight how credit unions around the state engage with members of Congress or their state legislators, and this is an effort that is worthwhile to the entire industry. Why? Growing strong, long-term...

September 20, 2019

Ancient tree

Grassroots: Building Long-Term Connections with Legislators

A key factor to the efforts of Advocacy success for any industry is tied to having strong relationships with legislators. But this is not something one can just do once and check off the list … these relationships are built over years of...

Camera lens

State Issues Taking Shape for 2020 in Georgia

The state legislative session in Georgia does not begin until January 13th. However, the Legislature has been a buzz of activity as of late to address just a handful of the issues for 2020 in advance, with multiple hearings in the past few weeks...

CFPB office

Regulatory: CFPB Opening of Regional Office in Atlanta

Credit unions were represented at the regional Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) office opening on September 10th, with members of the Compliance Team for LSCU engaged at the small event. This was highlighted as an “Innovation Policies...

September 6, 2019

Building blocks

New and Veteran Legislators: Building Connections with Credit Unions

Throughout the year credit unions engage with legislators to grow awareness, grow understanding and grow relationships with the people who vote on the issues that impact the industry. And like any relationship, it is an ongoing process to foster a...

Ideas

Share Your Insight: Annual Legislative Survey

Here’s another window to help shape advocacy efforts for the industry … your input is needed in the Annual Legislative & Regulatory Survey! Credit unions consistently provide strong insight into the legislative and regulatory issues on the...

August 23, 2019

Good news

Legal Win for Credit Unions in Field of Membership Challenge

Good news for credit unions! On the radar for the past several years has been the lawsuit against NCUA regarding their rule on field of membership (FOM) for credit unions … hovering in the background and creating a possible BIG cloud on the industry...

Washington, D.C., monuments

Washington, D.C.: League Presidents Reach Out to Congress on Issue

On August 8th Georgia and LSCU were a part of a collective effort on one of the Congressional issues to draw greater attention on the federal level. Credit union leagues from around the country and CUNA jointly wrote to House and Senate Armed...

Binocular

Collecting Intel on State Issues and Growing Legislator Connections

The state legislative session will begin in Georgia on January 13th, and while those cold temperatures seem far away in the midst of the current dog days of summer heat wave, the work to frame the 2020 issues is happening now. State level hearings...

Football on field

Tackling the Issues for 2020: State Law Review Task Force Meeting

On August 22nd the Georgia Credit Union State Law Review Task Force met with the Department of Banking and Finance to identify and analyze additional potential changes to credit union law and regulation, and assess the legislative temperament in the...

August 9, 2019

Hands framing sunset

Congress: Credit Unions Help Frame the Issues in Play

With the current recess in Washington, D.C., it provides a good window of time to engage members of Congress to help illustrate the impact (either positive or negative) of the bills in play. Credit unions took advantage of this opportunity on July...

Network across the country

Hike at Home Meeting with State Representative to Grow Connection

On August 1st credit unions sat down with state Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) in the district to help create a positive connection for the industry at a “hike at home” meeting. Rep. Gaines is in his first year with the Georgia Legislature, and in...

Two figures holding hands

Staying Engaged: State Legislators Conference

While the state legislative session came to a close at the end of March, the work of legislators, and the work of credit union advocacy, is a year-round effort. There are countless informal meetings where issues are discussed, study committee...

July 26, 2019

U.S. Capitol

Large Volume of Credit Union Issues See Action in Congress

Congress has tackled a wide variety of issues of interest to the credit union industry, with all eyes this week on the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing on potentially removing the federal barriers surrounding financial services...

Hands holding a sphere

In-District Credit Union Connection with Key Freshman Legislator

On July 17th State Rep. Erick Allen (D-Smyrna) toured Delta Community Credit Union’s location in his district for an indoctrination of what the industry is, and what’s important to credit unions legislatively. In the course of the tour Rep. Allen...

Georgia Capitol

Post-Session State Hearings Begin

While the Georgia Legislature is technically only “in” for the first few months of the year, the work that goes into the issues, bills and lobbying to help shape the issues takes place year-round. This is done through regular engagement of...

July 12, 2019

Washington, D.C. map

Washington, D.C.: Action of Interest to Credit Unions

It pays to pay attention … accurate statement in all elements of life, but particularly in government activity. And in Congress, there are several issues being addressed that touch the industry that require focused credit union advocacy. This effort...

Books and pencils

State: Expanding Awareness and Understanding with New Legislators

At the start of 2019 a large number of new legislators took office in the Georgia Legislature … 40 to be precise at the start of January (and more throughout the year with special elections). And when these individuals take office, they bring with...

Hands in the air

Focus on the Future: Growing Advocacy Through Strategy

Growing advocacy strength happens at all levels … from within a branch creating relationships with legislators, within a credit union growing connections and implementing an individual advocacy strategy, within the industry working together with...

Crowd

Project Zip Code: Make Sure Your Credit Union Counts!

Articulating precisely how many individuals are credit union members in a federal or state legislative district is a powerful thing, and it’s an easy thing to do if your credit union utilizes Project Zip Code. Most credit unions run this at the...

June 28, 2019

Tools

Resources: Advocacy Tools for Board and Staff

Legislative activity has a direct impact on how your credit union operates, the services and products it provides, and if the industry even exists. As such, it’s important to know the people and issues that impact credit unions – a savvy strategy...

Trees

Legislative Connections: Long-Term Relationships Built Over Time

Credit unions meet with a variety of legislators each year, at times to combat a specific issue or lobby for proactive change. But the adage of those that “only come around when you want something” could not be more powerful when it comes to...

Save the date

Save the Date: State GAC/Grassroots Academy!

January will be here in a blink of an eye. And January will bring the cold, the second half of the Georgia legislative session, and the 12th State GAC/Grassroots Academy! With the presidential primary early for Georgia next year (March 24), it will...

U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C.: Credit Union Issues on Overdrive

Congress has been a hotbed of activity of interest to credit unions as of late, with multiple hearings, subcommittee hearings and floor action of note to the industry. These issues ranged from potential regulations on the fintech world to looking at...

June 14, 2019

Sunrise

Washington, D.C.: GCUA Engages Key Members of Congress

On June 5th GCUA executive leadership met with specific members of Congress in Washington, D.C. These quick Hill visits with key legislators and staff were orchestrated to draw greater attention to the issues that matter to the industry, emphasize...

Field with crops

Growing Connections for Industry: Three Types of Effort

Engaging and building relationships with legislators is a key component to advocacy, and as such there is consistent effort to connect with elected leaders. When legislators know credit unions personally, it places an in-district face on the...

Balloons

Credit Union Charter Enhancements Under Way in Georgia

Earlier in May Governor Brian Kemp signed into law both the credit union charter enhancement legislation, HB 185 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), as well as the bill to encourage savings, HB 193 by Rep. Emory Dunahoo (R-Gainesville). Both of...

May 31, 2019

Washington, D.C.: Credit Unions Engage FCC on Call Blocking Proposal

Credit unions, Leagues and CUNA have been pushing for regulatory intervention on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) draft declaratory ruling on default call blocking. While directed at unwanted robocalls, this draft ruling could have...

Resource for Board and Staff: Top 20 State Issues

Every state legislative session is a serious gamble with issues, challenges and political hurdles to address. The 2019 state session was no exception, by a longshot! In 2019 there were more than 340 bills of interest to credit unions that required...

Credit Union Growth Strategy: Connections with Legislators

Chances are your credit union has a growth strategy, be that focused on members, assets, products, etc. But does it have a strategy when it comes to growing connections with legislators? It’s a simple fact that legislators vote on bills that can...

Register Today: Idea Institute 14

Don’t miss out on the early registration for the Idea Institute 14! This year’s event will return to Greenville, SC, after rave reviews from 2017 on the ease/enjoyment of venue and multiple activities right outside the hotel doors; mark your...

May 17, 2019

Beach at sunset

Deliver the Unexpected: Credit Union Annual Meeting/Convention

This week from May 13th through the 16th the GCUA Annual Meeting and Convention for credit unions was held in Jekyll Island. “Delivering the Unexpected” was this year’s theme, and it embodied not only the change in location, format and timing of...

Two keys

Two Keys to Advocacy: Growing Relationships and Awareness

Two vital components to any legislative effort are having elected leaders who know and understand what makes credit unions unique and having credit union advocates who are aware of the importance of being involved legislatively. But those two things...

Thumbs up

Four Credit Union Priority Bills Become State Law!

Good news for credit unions – Governor Brian Kemp has signed the four priority bills pursued for the industry during the state legislative session into law! The legislative process was quite challenging this year, and credit unions were engaged on...

May 3, 2019

U.S. Capitol

Congress: Action of Note for Credit Unions in Washington, D.C.

Staying engaged on a federal level is a dizzying role; there are multiple issues from a legislative as well as regulatory perspective. This week was no exception with multiple hearings, bills and debate. On the full House floor there were not one...

Georgia Capitol

State GAC/Grassroots Day at the Capitol!

On April 25th almost 80 Georgia credit union advocates convened at the state Capitol for the 11th annual State GAC. This was the largest group ever for this event, and was a “do-over” from January, as it was originally put on hold due to a potential...

April 19, 2019

Sevens

Seven Keys to Credit Union Success in Georgia Legislative Sessions

Georgia has one of the largest state legislatures in the nation – third only behind New Hampshire and Pennsylvania – with no term limits on the 236 legislators (Speaker of the House included), as well as the lieutenant governor. As such...

Georgia Capitol

State Legislative Wrap-Up

The state session adjourned on April 2nd, bringing to close a challenging yet positive legislative year for credit unions. In all there were more than 340 bills of interest to the industry that required monitoring, lobbying, amending and, for some...

April 5, 2019

White balloons and one red balloon

Three Ways that YOU Make a Difference

There are more than 950 lobbyists registered for Georgia, representing more than 3,900 groups. On any given day there are hundreds of more people at the state Capitol acting (but not registered) as lobbyists pursuing specific interests. Credit...

Child runnning with kite

End of State Legislative Session

After midnight in the very wee early morning hours of Wednesday, April 3rd the state Legislature has adjourned! Your state legislative team is temporarily off the grid after the adjournment so please stay tuned to the next edition of Creating...

U.S. Capitol

Congress: Tax Bill Including Changes of Interest to Credit Unions

On April 2nd the House Ways and Means Committee voted in favor of the Taxpayers First Act of 2019 (H.R. 1957), a bipartisan bill that contains several changes of interest to credit unions (and is generally supported by CUNA). The bill includes...

March 29, 2019

Georgia Capitol interior

State Legislature: Another Key Bill for the Industry Moves Forward

On March 25th the full House passed SB 37 by Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) which seeks to address a Georgia Court of Appeals decision that conflicts with the longstanding legal footing surrounding guarantees (Moye decision). GCUA has testified in...

Light bulb

Opportunity to Gain Insight into the Legislative Process: State GAC

Back in January the State GAC was put on hold due to a snow day (that didn’t materialize!), and was rescheduled for April 24th. This event provides the attendees a unique opportunity to get insight into the state legislative session that will be in...

March 22, 2019

Conversation

Credit Union Dialogue with Federal and State Regulators

Engaging with the regulatory bodies is just as key a component of advocacy as engaging with legislators, and on March 19th credit unions had a unique opportunity to connect with top federal and state regulators. Thank you to both NCUA Regional...

Hands

Charter Enhancement Bill Passes the State Legislature!

HB 185 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) passed the full Senate on March 18th! This bill creates operational improvements for the credit union charter, which were identified during the summer of 2018 by the credit union task force dedicated...

Georgia House interior

State Legislature on Overdrive in the Remaining Days of Session

The state Legislature is at day 35 of the 40-day schedule as of press time, with more than 1,870 bills introduced to date. And while there are a narrow few bills that are still technically active for this year, this is the point of the session where...

Washington, D.C., monuments

Washington, D.C.: Pushing for ADA Website Access Clarity

On March 13th credit union concerns about frivolous lawsuit demand letters on ADA website access were addressed when CUNA participated in a joint trade meeting with Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Eric Dreiband, head of the Department of Justice’s...

March 15, 2019

Hikers

Meeting with Congress: Georgia Credit Unions Hike the Hill at GAC

Georgia credit unions were a part of a 5,000-plus gathering of leaders from across the country at CUNA’s annual Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. this week. This conference also provided the window of time to connect with...

Windup man

State Session Winding Up for the End

The state Legislature has now met for 32 of the 40 official session days, with the remaining days spread out over the next two weeks and two days. Tempers and tensions are high among legislators and lobbyists alike, and there will be much effort and...

March 8, 2019

Locks

Pushing Congress on Data Security

On February 28th CUNA reached out to 535 Congressional offices to keep the issue of the need for data privacy and security legislation at the forefront, and then engaged the Homeland Security subcommittee prior to their hearing on March 7th on...

Georgia Capitol

State Legislative Session Past Crossover Day!

The state legislative session passed a significant milestone this week with Crossover Day, the deadline at the state Capitol where a bill must make it at least halfway and pass its originating chamber (House bills pass the House, Senate bills pass...

U.S. Capitol

Advocacy in Motion! Georgia Credit Union Leaders Traveling to D.C.

Credit unions from across the state will be traveling to Washington, D.C., for the annual Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), which begins on March 10th. This conference also involves “Hike the Hill” visits with members of Congress to promote...

March 1, 2019

Washington, D.C., monuments

Federal Regulatory Nominations Closer to Confirmation

While credit unions, Leagues and CUNA are focused on the preparations for the credit union governmental affairs conference (CUNA GAC) approaching in March, the U.S. Senate is seeking to move forward several nominations to regulatory posts of note...

Ladder to a window in the sky

Federal Level: Window to Push for ADA Lawsuit Relief

With new Attorney General William Barr confirmed, credit union concerns about demand letters threatening frivolous lawsuits over ADA accessibility of websites were highlighted last week. CUNA wrote to Attorney General Barr to call attention to the...

Georgia Capitol

State Legislative Session at Day 25

As of press time, the state Legislature is on day 25 of the 40-day schedule with one month remaining. The level of hearings as well as the number of issues being introduced are at an all-session high given that the self-imposed deadline of Crossover...

February 22, 2019

Inchworm

Proactive Issues in the State Legislature

The activity at the state Capitol truly is a game of inches. Success cannot be seen at any given moment as it takes significant time to push an issue forward bit by bit, and the vast majority of bills that are introduced do not survive the process...

Puzzle pieces

Register Today: Federal and State Credit Union Regulators Dialogue

On March 19th credit unions will have a unique opportunity to connect with top federal and state regulators: NCUA Regional Director Keith Morton and Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DBF) Commissioner Kevin Hagler. This will be the first...

U.S. Capitol in spring

Building and Strengthening Relationships in D.C.

With the government shutdown over, the change of control in the House with new leadership, and Georgia with a new member of Congress, senior staff from GCUA traveled to D.C. last week to set the groundwork for the credit unions visits in early March...

February 15, 2019

Congressional Activity: Lobbying Efforts, Hearing on Issues

In Washington DC the focus this week has been on the negotiations to fund the federal government past February 15th, and beyond that was attention to the US Senate Banking Committee with confirmation hearings on the 14th (including two for the NCUA...

Activity of State Legislative Session at Day 16

This week the state legislative session was in all week, bringing us to day 16 of the 40-day schedule as of press time. And with the last day slated for April 2nd, time is moving fast with the pace and activity has intensified. Not including the...

State Legislature: Proactive Bills for Credit Unions

This week of state session activity saw three bills to provide help to credit unions introduced, with hearings on two of them this week: Operational Improvements for Credit Union Charter: HB 185 by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) was introduced and...

New Date: State GAC

The State GAC has been rescheduled, with all of the speakers previously slated to join credit unions on April 24th! When the non-snow day closed the state offices on January 29th, the State GAC/Grassroots Academy had to be punted. We are pleased to...

February 8, 2019

U.S. Capitol

Georgia Congressman Introduces BSA Modernization Bill in D.C.

Georgia U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-11) has introduced a bill to update specific reporting thresholds in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).  CUNA wrote in support of this bill, H.R. 388, which would raise reporting thresholds for institutions filing...

Steam locomotive

State Legislative Session Gains Steam

As of press time the state Legislature is meeting on the 11th day of the 40-day session, and is gearing up for what will likely be a hectic month.  The days are full of hearings on the various issues, with new bills introduced daily that are...

Calendar with pushpin

Save the Date for the Credit Union Regulator Dialogue

Save the date!  A unique opportunity is on the horizon for credit unions on March 19th; the new NCUA Regional Director for the Southern Region office, Keith Morton, and Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Kevin Hagler will be in Atlanta...

Georgia Capitol in moonlight

Credit Union Legislative Night

On Tuesday, February 5th credit union leaders spent time sharing their insight and thanks with members of the state Legislature, growing influence for the industry at a reception held in conjunction with the February League and GCUS board meetings...

February 1, 2019

Georgia Capitol interior

State Legislature as of the End of January

This week the state Legislature was in session through Wednesday, reaching only to day 7 of the 40-day schedule. And while the session has only knocked off a few “official” days, work has been in full swing on both session and non-session days. Much...

D.C. monuments at night

Washington, D.C., Activity of Note to Credit Unions

With the federal government shutdown over, and both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate in session this week, things are looking up in Washington, D.C., as the shutdown was the singular focus for some time. And while President Trump and Congressional...

Tool belt

Tool for Your Credit Union: Tracking State Legislative Issues

Did you know that during this state session, thousands of bills will likely be introduced? All of these are reviewed for potential impact to credit unions (both positive and negative), and out of the thousands there will likely be hundreds that are...

Cloud vortex

Keep It on the ‘Radar’: State GAC/Grassroots Academy

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and when the winter storm warnings and weather radar paths came crashing down, threatening the state with icy doom, state offices closed on January 29th – the same day as the State GAC/Grassroots Academy! As such...

January 25, 2019

Washington, D.C., snow

Activity in Washington, D.C., Amid the Shutdown

The activity in Congress continues to be surrounding on the shutdown, with the press and social media highlighting any nuance in the debate. This singular focus is apparent in the committees in Congress as well – just last week the new U.S...

Georgia Capitol interior

Leadership Changes in Key Committees of State Legislature

Committees in the state Legislature are where the bills are hashed out, debated, and passed,  or end their journey without moving forward. The chairmen of these committees set the agendas, and while there have been some notable changes in both the...

Calendar

State Legislators Work on Their ‘Off’ Days

Counterintuitively, all the days this week that the state Legislature met for hearings did not count towards their 40-day session. This week is historically utilized for multiple budget hearings as the Senate and House hear from various state...

Light bulbs with gears

Collective Effort on Credit Union Advocacy Issues

At press time on January 25th GCUA is in meetings with 13 other credit union state Leagues and CUNA that have come to Atlanta to gain insight on the state issues others are seeing around the country, the federal issues taking shape in Washington, D...

January 18, 2019

Shoes and arrows

State Legislature Begins

The state legislative session began anew this week on January 14th for the first half of the two-year cycle, with unpredictable directions/outcomes and a blank slate for legislation – as any bill that did not pass last year cannot continue on...

Washington, D.C. snow

What’s Happening in Washington, D.C. (Beyond the Shutdown)

While the federal government shutdown has consumed almost all of the attention in Washington, D.C., (including here in Georgia with the much-publicized delay challenges at the airports), there have been a few changes involving Georgia’s...

Eggs

Hearing from the Top State Leaders at Eggs and Issues Breakfast

On January 16th credit union representatives and GCUA joined the thousands of business leaders, state legislators and local officials at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues breakfast. This event is the unofficial kickoff to the...

Ideas

Growing Connections with Legislators

The state Legislature is made up of committees that debate the issues, and it’s in these small settings where much of the language is hammered out on bills, or where bills stall out and die. As such, it’s important to have strong connections with...

January 11, 2019

Positive News on the ADA Website Compliance Issue Front

Credit unions, Leagues and CUNA have been pushing the federal government, federal legislators, the Department of Justice, the court systems and attorneys general around the country to bring an end to the ambiguity surrounding the Americans with...

Puzzle

Don’t Miss Out: State GAC Day for Credit Unions

Now is the time to register for the state GAC/Grassroots Academy, which will be held on January 29th for its 11th anniversary. The state Legislature resumes on Monday, and with the large number of new legislators coupled with new statewide...

April 18, 2017

Top 10 Reasons

Top 10 Credit Union Lobbying Successes at State Session

This year was a challenging year for anyone at the state Capitol due to the higher level (than normal) fighting between the Senate and House, and most industries saw their key issues fail early in the session. However, it was a very strong year for...

Washington Monument

Flurry of Federal Activity in DC for Credit Unions Right Before Recess

Both the US House and US Senate are out in recess now for their “spring district work session” … so keep an eye out for opportunities to engage with them at town halls, civic groups, or anywhere in the home district. Leading up to this break however...

State Session

State Session Final Wrap Up

There were over 2,300 pieces of legislation introduced during this first year of the two-year cycle of the state legislative session. Out of all these bills, there were over 300 that required active monitoring, lobbying and efforts on behalf of...

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