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 leaders agreed on January 25th to the deal to reopen the federal government through February 15th, Congress will have to commit to further negotiations on an agreement to fund the federal government through the end of fiscal year 2019 (September 30th). In the meantime, the efforts of credit unions to help federal employees navigate the shutdown are being documented and are a wonderful illustration of how credit unions help people afford life. To see the current nationwide list (and take the short survey if you have not already), please access CUNA’s shutdown assistance site here.
Beyond the shutdown focus, there are other initiatives of note to credit unions taking place:
- Placing Focus on the Issues Facing Georgia Credit Unions: Last Friday, GCUA met with CUNA and other state Leagues in Atlanta to discuss the legislative issues arising in other states, as well as federal priorities for credit unions in Congress. Our thanks to CUNA for coming to Georgia and listening to the legislative needs and issues that impact Georgia credit unions on a federal level to help when the bills are addressed.
- Educating on the Credit Union Difference: CUNA announced that they have launched their first Member Activation Program (MAP) Campaign of 2019 to encourage credit unions to educate members on the credit union difference. Registration is now open for this MAP webinar, which will feature information about MAP and the current campaign (and provide access to various templates credit unions can use). This webinar will be held on February 8th from 2 to 3 p.m.
- Addressing Exclusion of Credit Unions: On January 29th CUNA wrote to the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) to oppose Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) housing goals regulations, as they specifically exclude credit unions from being eligible to participate in the newly created smaller member participation goal. CUNA is asking the FHFA to change this before the final rules are published. Stay tuned!
