D.C. visits build credit union momentum

Throughout September, Leagues and credit unions representing nearly every state have traveled to Washington, D.C., to bring the credit union difference directly to policymakers. Just about every congressional office met with credit unions and Leagues as we demonstrated the power of credit unions to advance the communities they serve.

It’s no coincidence that we’ve also seen great progress on several credit union priorities, with hundreds of credit union advocates in town, including the House passage of the CUNA-League-led Credit Union Board Governance Modernization Act Thursday.

Congress—with limited time in D.C. before the election—is working on our priorities because of our advocacy work.

We also continue to fight back against House and Senate interchange bills, demonstrating to elected officials that these bills mean less security, fewer options, and higher costs to the consumer.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit the nation’s capital this month to share the great work you’ve been doing. These visits are the best way to leverage this great work into more pro-credit union policies, and as the ones living and working in your communities, you’re who officials want to hear from. 

Resources available for Hurricane Ian assistance, recovery

We’re still realizing the full extent of the devastation from Hurricane Ian, and credit unions stand ready to help. The League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates is monitoring the situation and seeking mobile branching and other solutions for branches that are unable to open. The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation also has disaster relief funds to assist credit unions, employees, and volunteers.

How you can help

Credit Union Magazine names Rock Stars

Congratulations to the 10th class of Credit Union Rock Stars! The movement is full of talented professionals and directors across the globe. These honorees truly make a difference for credit unions and their members. Twenty-five winners will be profiled in a special digital issue of Credit Union Magazine, sponsored by Fiserv.

Read about the Credit Union Rock Stars

Elections website updated leading into mid-terms

We’ve updated CUNA.org/elections leading up to the Nov. 8 elections. We’ve supported 333 candidates so far this cycle (with a 96% success rate), and we’ll be updating the site with additional credit union supporters as we approach Election Day. Site visitors can track which credit union candidates will be joining the 118th Congress next year.

Check out the elections page

Alaska’s Dan McCue announces retirement

Please join me in congratulating Alaska Credit Union League President and Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations Dan McCue, who announced he will retire in April 2023. Dan leads the only League in the nation run 100% by volunteers, and his tireless advocacy has led to numerous credit union victories. We wish Dan and his family the best.

CUAid activated to assist Hurricane Fiona victims

The National Credit Union Foundation committed up to $250,000 from its CUAid program to support Puerto Rico-based credit unions hit by Hurricane Fiona. The Inclusiv Network will use the grant to manage individual donations to people who lost homes, vehicles, and other property. Many credit unions report substantial damage as well.

Learn about CUAid here

Last chance to share your feedback

Improving membership experience is a top priority for CUNA and your feedback is invaluable in helping achieve this. Ensure your voice is heard by taking the CUNA annual membership survey. You’ll find your unique survey link in an email with the subject line “Reminder: Take the annual membership survey.” And thank you to those who have already provided their feedback; it is greatly appreciated.

America’s Credit Union Museum launches “HERSTORY”

America’s Credit Union Museum held a grand opening of its latest exhibit, “Credit Union Women Making History…HERSTORY” this week. It honors many outstanding women credit union leaders who have made an impact on our movement.

Watch the video here

360-advocacy

• The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund issued a statement that CDFIs facing questions over their status are considered certified CDFIs until the Fund provides official notification of termination or change in status.
• We joined other financial services organizations in opposition to the House interchange bill from Reps. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, and Peter Welch, D-Vt. 
• We largely supported NCUA’s cyber incident reporting proposal and offered suggestions to improve its clarity in our comments.
• CUNA Chief Political Officer Richard Gose discussed our strong opposition to interchange legislation and how our grassroots efforts have resulted in more than 30,000 messages of opposition sent to Capitol Hill on CUBroadcast.
• NCUA released its proposed 2023-24 budget, which shows a staff draft 2023 budget 8.1% higher than the 2021 budget. NCUA will host a budget briefing Oct. 19 and comments are due Oct. 28.