Creating legislative influence for credit unions does not happen overnight; it is the outcome of a systematic, continual process of engaging with legislators. It is the same as building relationships on a professional or personal basis – a if you do not engage, there is no connection. Once you do connect, it is just as vital for the relationship to foster continual growth in the ability to generate influence. And note, there is no shortage of individuals and opportunities for credit unions to connect and grow influence. There are 16 federal legislators from Georgia, 236 state legislators, a handful of statewide officials (and a growing pool of individuals who want to run for statewide in 2018!).
Georgia credit unions engage with many of these elected leaders to create connections and influence for the industry; a perfect example of how this is done systematically in stages can be seen with the growing connection with Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula). Rep. Efstration joined credit unions on a May 23rd call hosted by the GCUA Compliance Team to discuss the changes in law with Power of Attorney forms, but this type of access does not happen overnight. Credit unions began creating a relationship with Rep. Efstration through lobbying efforts since his first session of 2014. GCUA has engaged with him at various political events in 2015, and in the fall of 2016 credit unions developed a deeper connection (due to the types of bills he has introduced) at a in district “Hike at Home” meeting. That led to an open-door connection with him in 2017 during his pursuit of legislation to reform the power of attorney statute, which led to the call.
This is just one more step in the process with one legislator, combined with the efforts with other legislators to continue the relationship development to continue the ability to shape legislation. We encourage all credit unions to be a part of this effort, and engage with your legislators to create the opportunities to grow influence!
