Strong grassroots is at the core of successful advocacy. Credit unions’ biggest tax fight in more than a decade shows the power in connecting policymakers directly with the people who elected them.
Congress is working to extend tax cuts, follow the administration’s priorities, and cut spending. That is why everything is on the table right now when it comes to paying for these cuts—including the credit union status. Even though the credit union tax status delivers a 1300% return on investment and helps all consumers, the Ways and Means Committee has a list of possible ways to pay for those priorities—and credit unions are on it.
We cannot let our guard down. And that’s why strong, powerful grassroots action is so important in this fight.
America’s Credit Unions activated its grassroots more than three weeks ago. And we’ve seen the response—with credit union advocates sending hundreds of thousands of messages to members of Congress so far, telling them to support and protect the credit union tax status.
We need to make sure every single member of Congress knows what’s at stake. Grassroots action is more than just sheer numbers—it is about a strong message that hits home. Credit unions certainly bring that to the table.
All over the country, people partner with credit unions to achieve their financial dreams. Credit unions step in when banks won’t. Driven by a people-first mission, credit unions provide better rates, lower fees, and needed services that make an impact on hardworking Americans’ lives. And our members recognize the way credit unions treat them compared to for-profit institutions.
These life-changing opportunities are possible because of credit unions’ tax status. That’s why the message isn’t just about supporting credit unions; it’s about specifically asking policymakers to stand up for credit unions and use their vote to protect credit unions—and the people who depend on them.
The goal is not only to get policymakers to recognize the credit union difference, but that their vote is essential in protecting it for future generations. Voting to change the tax status is a vote against the people who voted them into office. It’s a vote for sending profits away from Main Street and into the pockets of big bank shareholders.
Successful credit union grassroots action amplifies the voice of our members. The people who were left behind, unable to access financial help from banks—all because the banks decided they weren’t worth helping. Business owners who needed a small loan and only the credit union would help. The people who find a helping hand and shelter from life’s storms at their credit union.
It is people who are the center of credit unions’ mission and it is people who must be at the center of credit unions’ grassroots advocacy. Members don’t deserve to be put at the whims of for-profit institutions that see only stock prices and account numbers. They deserve an institution that cares—being part of something bigger than themselves, having others look out for them—and that succeeds when they succeed.
Now is the time to make noise, with messages and outreach to lawmakers from credit union leadership, employees, volunteers—and credit union members themselves. The more grassroots noise generated in advocating for ourselves, the harder we make it for any member of Congress to cast a vote on any change to the credit union tax status because thousands of constituents have told them how important it is.
It’s essential to take action now and not let up. The future of credit unions depends on it.
