Capitol Eyes 3.11.21

2021 CUNA Government Affairs Conference Recap Last week, over 100 Wisconsin Credit Union Activists participated in the 2021 CUNA Government Affairs Conference. Activists met with Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation, competed with Minnesota’s credit unions to raise money for CULAC, heard from thought provoking speakers during live sessions, and interacted with thousands of credit union industry leaders and system partners throughout the country. Legislative Meetings with the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Attendees talked with legislators and their staff about credit unions’ federal policy priorities including national data security and privacy standards, maintaining credit unions’ tax status, additional pandemic recovery legislation, and continuing regulatory restraint. To learn more about Activists’ discussion points in legislative meetings: Visit www.wicreditunions.coop >> Review Credit Unions’ Federal Advocacy Agenda >> View bipartisan legislation to temporarily exempt loans from the credit union business lending cap View Photos from Activists’ Legislative Meetings >> View Top Stories >> Wisconsin-Minnesota Border Battle in Support of CULAC  This is the second week of a Wisconsin – Minnesota fundraising competition, and we are currently not winning. Donations support CULAC (Credit Union Legislative Action Committee), credit unions’ federal level political action committee, which supports credit union friendly candidates seeking federal office. Activists raised over $4,000 for CULAC so far. Shout out to the following credit unions, who represent our top five individual donors! 1) Altra Federal Credit Union 2) Southern Lakes Credit Union 3) Oshkosh Postal Employees Credit Union 4) Dane County Credit Union 5) WESTconsin Credit Union CULAC Successes During the 2020 Election >> Haven’t heard about the Border Battle? Contact Sarah. The League Testifies in Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions Hearing Last week, the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions held an informational hearing for an update on the status of Wisconsin’s financial industry. The League’s SVP of Advocacy Sarah Wainscott provided testimony on behalf of Wisconsin’s credit unions.  View Her Testimony >> View the Entire Hearing >> (WisEye subscription required for full hearing) Overview of Wisconsin Credit Unions Provided to Committee >> Governor Evers Signs COVID-19 Protection into Law Last month, Governor Evers signed into law Act 4, a COVID-19 response package. The League joined a coalition of pro-business groups during the fall to send a letter to Governor Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature encouraging meaningful liability reforms and protections for businesses related to COVID-19. Go to the Grassroots Action Center to send a pre-written, editable letter to your legislators thanking them for their support of the legislation. Brett Thompson and Jennifer McHugh Appointed to Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy & Capability Brett Thompson, President & CEO of The League and Jennifer McHugh, VP of Community Engagement at Royal Credit Union, were appointed to the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy & Capability. Brett and Jennifer’s participation on the council will ensure credit unions are heard, engaged and active advocates for improving the financial wellness of Wisconsinites.  Read the Governor’s Executive Order on Creation of the Council >>