More than 2,000 state legislators from across the country convened at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) from August 6th through the 9th where GCUA was part of a collective effort of CUNA and Leagues to educate state leaders on credit unions. NCSL is a large annual event for legislators to learn what initiatives are trending in other states, get ideas for bills to introduce, and connect with other legislators and lobbyists around the country.
There were more than 50 legislators and staff in attendance from Georgia, creating a prime opportunity to connect throughout the conference and build relationships with individuals who vote on the bills that impact credit union operations. During the conference the aspect of federal regulatory burden was highlighted in a session discussing the banking challenges of the marijuana industry, and more acutely in a panel regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Dodd Frank, and CUNA’s Ryan Donavan urging for common-sense regulatory reform as a member of the panel.
Understanding what makes credit unions unique as not-for-profit financial cooperatives is an important point for consumers and media to grasp, but also for legislators to advance the credit union industry. As such, GCUA regularly educates the media, consumers and legislators on the positive impact credit unions have in the communities they serve and helping people afford life. NCSL is just one of the various avenues where work is focused to continue the growth in legislators’ understanding of credit unions.
