Democracy critical to the credit union movement
Democracy is an essential element of credit unions, and one of the many reasons why putting people first is in credit unions’ DNA. As America’s Credit Unions Head of Political Affairs Trey Hawkins detailed in a new CUInsight op-ed, it also helps sustain the movement by supporting policymakers who understand the credit union difference.
“With our for-profit opponents aiming to put us out of business in the name of a bigger market share, we need to play an active part in our electoral process,” Hawkins wrote. “We saw firsthand this year how important it is to have champions on Capitol Hill, and how especially valuable league relationships are with those champions. The success of the Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign ultimately came down to key legislators making it clear that any bill that alters the credit union tax status as a ‘pay for’ is a no go.”
The strategy to secure the credit union tax status began in the lead-up to the 2024 election and continued through swearing-in day for the 119th Congress all the way to the president’s signature on a bill that made no changes to the tax status.
“Each of those steps is taken alongside our league partners in that state, who are well acquainted with potential candidates from their work with federal and state policymakers,” Hawkins wrote. “America’s Credit Unions and leagues together meet with candidates to ensure we have a credit union champion to support in most races.
Hawkins encouraged the entire credit union system to visit CreditUnionsVote.com to find registration, polling, and primary information, and to make their voice heard at the ballot box next year.