Credit unions mobilize tax advocacy strategy as spring recess concludes

While members of Congress may have spent the last two weeks in home states and districts, they didn’t get away from credit unions’ “Don’t tax my credit union” message.  America’s Credit Unions, leagues and credit unions worked to ensure it remained top of mind with lawmakers  – especially members of the House Ways and Means Committee, who will begin writing its tax bill this week -  as they return to D.C. today.

America’s Credit Unions, the CrossState Credit Union Association, and Pennsylvania credit unions met with two House Ways and Means members Friday, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R, and Mike Kelly, R.

Inspire Federal Credit Union hosted Fitzpatrick in Newtown, Pa., joined by leaders from CrossState, Citadel Federal Credit Union, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, TruMark Financial Credit Union, and Diamond Credit Union.

Fitzpatrick, a strong credit union supporter, has introduced several bipartisan bills this year to give credit unions more lending flexibility and increase credit union lending to veteran-owned businesses. 

Erie Federal Credit Union hosted Kelly in Erie, Pa., where he met with more than 30 people representing Americo Federal Credit Union, Armco Credit Union, Common Roots Federal Credit Union, Mercer Country Community Federal Credit Union, New Directions Community Federal Credit Union, Priority First Federal Credit Union, and Tendto Credit Union, as well as America's Credit Unions and CrossState. 

Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) staff hand-delivered more than 2,000 “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” postcards filled out by credit union members to the office of House Ways and Means Committee member Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. The credit union collected the signed cards in just four days.

“The RBFCU branch staff not only advocated for the credit union difference but also shared real stories and testimonials about how they serve their members, communities, and the underbanked. They emphasized that losing the tax exemption status would hinder their ability to provide the very best to their communities,” said Sal Guerrero, vice president of communications and public relations at RBFCU. “The presentation of 2,000 ‘Don't Tax My Credit Union’ postcards filled out by RBFCU members and constituents of Rep. Doggett made a tangible and emotional impact that resonated deeply with Congressman Doggett's staff.”

Printable postcards are available in America’s Credit Unions’ Member Activation Program resources, including a “how to” guide. The cards feature a QR code directed to the Don’t Tax My Credit Union site.

The Carolinas Credit Union League also conducted a webinar late last week noting Congress’s imminent return to Washington, D.C., and formal work on tax legislation getting underway.

“We continue to hear the phrase ‘everything is on the table’ from our conversations with lawmakers,” said CCUL President/CEO Dan Schline to members. “That includes our tax status, and that’s why we must take this call to action seriously.”