Growing credit union grassroots strength is a continual effort, and one that requires a multi-pronged approach to cultivate both the relationships with legislators, as well as the understanding of the legislative issues across the industry. Why? Strong relationships with elected leaders are a necessity in successful lobbying efforts for any industry, and having a wide base of credit union advocates, staff and board that understands the key issues is truly the muscle behind a grassroots machine. And without regular effort to engage and educate, grassroots strength evaporates. As such, the focus of growing relationships and understanding for the industry is central to the success of credit unions; below are recent examples of grassroots engagement:
- On May 4th Robby Glore, CEO of Combined Employees Credit Union, attended the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Eggs & Issues breakfast and connected with state Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon), who engages on credit union issues often in his role as Vice Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Chair of the Majority Caucus. At the event, Glore shared with Kennedy the impact regulatory burdens have on small credit unions and the amount dedicated to compliance.
- On May 4th GCUA met with retired state Rep. Virgil Fludd (D-Tyrone) to gain additional intel on the state Legislature, issues, and what internal power structure changes are currently in play. With the large number of individuals in the Legislature seeking to run for statewide office in 2018, there will likely be many changes within the leadership circles at the state Capitol.
- On May 8th, the Southeast Georgia Credit Union Chapter held a legislative focused meeting to shed light on the top issues from the state session. Credit unions were provided insight into new enhancements in law pending for the industry and the key issues mitigated.
- On May 10th GCUA met with state Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta) to discuss the state session and express thanks for all the help he provided in lobbying other state legislators on the key bills for credit unions. Rep. Mosby serves as board chairman for 1st Choice Credit Union, and was instrumental in lobbying his House mates on the above HB 192 as well as HB 143 to help these bills move forward for the industry.
And keep in mind, elections are also under way: The runoff election for state Senate District 32 is next week on May 16th, which is between Christine Triebsch (D) who received 24.2 percent of the vote and Kay Kirkpatrick (R) who received 21.1 percent of the vote back in April. In addition, early voting for the June 20th runoff election has already begun for the U.S. Congressional seat for the 6th District to replace Tom Price. This election is between Jon Ossoff (D) who received 48.1 percent of the vote, and Karen Handel (R), who received 19.7 percent of the vote. For those who live in those districts, you can find information on voting options here.
