(Albany, NY) – All five candidates endorsed by the Credit Union Association of New York have been named the winners in their respective districts, marking a significant victory for the New York credit union community.
Republican Chris Collins defeated first-term Democrat Kathy Hochul in the 27th Congressional District (Central/Rochester). He has praised credit unions for providing critical loans to small businesses turned away by commercial banks. While attending a Rochester event last month, he expressed his support for H.R. 1418, the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act, saying, “I can’t imagine why any lawmaker would not sponsor legislation that helps our small businesses without costing the government a cent.”
Rep. Richard Hanna (R-Utica-Rome) maintained his seat in the 22nd Congressional District. During his first term, Hanna co-sponsored priority legislation for credit union member business lending, supplemental capital, financial institution examination fairness and ATM fee disclosure reform.
Democrat Hakeem Jeffries won the 8th Congressional District (Metropolitan) seat vacated by Rep. Edolphus Towns. He is a state assemblyman, a member of the Assembly Banks Committee and sponsor of two pro-credit union bills for 2012: field of membership (FOM) legislation and the Banking Development District bill.
Former Congressman Dan Maffei (D) won his rematch against first-term incumbent Ann Marie Buerkle in the 24th Congressional District (Central/Rochester), although Buerkle has not yet conceded defeat. During his previous tenure in Congress, Maffei served on the Financial Services Committee and sponsored a bill to exempt credit unions from contributing to the “too big to fail” fund required under the Dodd-Frank Act.
Democrat Grace Meng won the 6th Congressional District (Metropolitan) seat vacated by Rep. Robert Turner. As a state assemblywoman who serves on the Assembly Banks Committee, she has cosponsored and voted in favor of numerous pieces of credit union legislation.
“We endorsed these candidates because we knew they understood the credit union mission and were willing to step up and support New York credit unions and their 4.6 million members,” said William J. Mellin, president/CEO of the Association. “We congratulate each of them on their victories and are looking forward to working with them in the months ahead.”
For a more detailed analysis of the elections, visit the New York's State of Mind blog (http://newyorksstateofmind.wordpress.com/).
The Credit Union Association of New York has served as the trade association for the state’s credit unions for 95 years. New York credit unions have assets of more than $57 billion and serve 4.6 million members. To learn more about the Association, visit www.cuany.org.