In advance of the 2018 legislative sessions, the Advocacy agendas from a national association and influence perspective as well as state association and influence perspective have been shared with credit unions. The agenda for Georgia is the direct outcome of credit union feedback; dialogue with credit unions throughout the year, the Advocacy Policy Committee members in August as well as September approving language, is shared for feedback at the statewide roundtables in October, and is weighed for approval by the League board in November … it’s a collective effort to determine where credit union efforts should be focused to make the most impact for the state!
On a federal level, CUNA has articulated its agenda with four main focuses to help credit unions:
- Reducing regulatory burden so that credit union members have access to more efficient and affordable financial services from credit unions.
- Expanding and protecting credit union powers so consumers and small businesses can more easily access the credit union services they need and demand.
- Enhancing payment securityto reduce the impact that merchant data breaches have on credit unions and their members.
- Preserving the credit union tax status so that credit union members continue to enjoy not-for-profit cooperative financial services. CUNA expects an effort to enact technical corrections of last year’s tax reform bill which could put the credit union tax status at risk, and CUNA, leagues and credit unions will work to ensure that no such provisions are signed into law.
In addition to assisting CUNA with their federal efforts with Georgia’s members of Congress, GCUA is focused on improving and enhancing the future for credit unions through focuses centered on federal, state, regulatory, and public influence as illustrated by the 2018 Advocacy Plan. The priorities are to:
- Enhance credit union legislative influence on both a federal and state level through the regular engagement of credit unions and legislators to strengthen awareness and build understanding of the unique legislative needs of the industry.
- Influence the regulatory landscape where credit unions operate through shaping pending regulations on a state and federal level, engaging legislators to promote bills positive to credit union operations, and influencing the outcome of bills that impact the credit union industry on a state level before they become law.
- Communicate credit union issues and needs to credit union employees and members to provide credit unions the timely information to cultivate strong awareness of legislative and regulatory issues, and enhance the ability of the industry to shape its future.
- Promote involvement by credit union people in the advocacy process, from political fundraising, member communications and other grassroots initiatives to expanding the ability of credit unions to make a positive impact on a state and federal level.
- Create a climate that encourages consumers’ awareness of credit unions through expanding the overall awareness of credit unions and positioning credit unions as thought leaders in consumer finance.
