The nation’s state leagues, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), CUNA Mutual Group and Illinois Credit Unions are demonstrating to ensure that America’s Credit Unions are on full display at the 2016 Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). This year’s Legislative Summit kicks off on August 8 and runs through August 11.
As state legislators and their staffers descend on Chicago, Illinois, in early August for NCSL’s flagship legislative event, they will find themselves blanketed in a sea of messaging to raise the level of awareness for America’s Credit Unions and the difference they make in the lives of more than 100 million members.
“The NCSL Legislative Summit provides credit unions with a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness of "America's Credit Unions" before several thousand state legislators and policy makers,” said Tom Kane, president /CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League. “As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, NCSL attendees will notice our credit union sponsorships and messaging throughout the conference. This level of heightened awareness would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the CUNA, the Leagues and business partners. We are looking forward to a successful event."
American Association of Credit Union Leagues’ Chair Mark Cummins, president/CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, said that the leagues, CUNA and CUNA Mutual Group will demonstrate a strong and impressive presence at NCSL’s annual gathering, viewed by many as a bipartisan event serving the interests of both Republicans and Democrats alike.
“As State Governmental Affairs are so important for leagues and credit unions, NCSL is a great opportunity to discuss issues, build relationships, and create awareness about credit unions among state legislators,” Cummins said. “It is important for us to have a visible presence, demonstrate the strength of our industry, and be on the forefront of state legislators’ minds as they return to their local communities.”
The NCSL Legislative Summit isn’t just for networking — policy is being developed. Legislators and staff from across the country participate in NCSL’s eight standing committees and they adopt policies under its rules of procedure for consideration at the annual business meeting held during the Legislative Summit. If two-thirds of the states in attendance approve them, the policies become the backbone of NCSL’s efforts to fight unwarranted federal preemption of state laws, unfunded mandates and federal legislation that threatens state authority and autonomy.
“State lawmakers often become federal lawmakers, so helping them understand credit unions’ impact on a local level can help us garner their support and understanding in Congress,” said Jim Nussle, CUNA president/CEO. “It’s common for laws and policies at the state level to be a testing ground for federal policy, which means having a vibrant and innovative state legislative framework helps all credit unions, regardless of charter type.”
State lawmakers can expect to see hosts of volunteers sporting shirts with America’s Credit Unions emblazoned on the sleeve. Credit union fact sheets and high tech giveaways will be available at the America’s Credit Unions, booth number 507.
NCSL comes to Boston in 2017. America’s Credit Unions will be there.