June 6, 1996: Mica, a former five-term congressman from south Florida is hired away from the insurance industry as CUNA's new president. On the first day of the job Mica said he was told the association might have trouble making payroll, as the result of ongoing losses related to CUNA Card Services. CUNA Card Services was eventually sold.
July 30, 1996: Just over a month after being named to the top spot at CUNA, a D.C. Court of Appeals rules that the 1934 Federal Credit Union Act does not permit multiple-group FOMs despite NCUA allowing the policy since 1982. CUNA and NAFCU join together to file an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Feb. 25, 1997: During CUNA's GAC, Mica's first, the Supreme Court rules 5-4 against CUs in the FOM lawsuit.
Spring-Summer 1997: Using many of his contacts in Congress, Mica helps lead credit unions helps line up support in Congress to get legislation updating the CU Act provisions on FOM. The bill, HR 1151, squeaks out of committee by one vote, before winning overwhelmingly in the House and Senate. On Aug. 7, 1998, President Clinton signs H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act, into law.
1998-99: Following the fight for HR 1151 and the recognition credit unions are understaffed and underfunded in DC, Mica leads a significant effort to address both. CUNA rolls out Hike The Hill efforts to keep a regulator CU presence in Washington, along with significantly expanded fundraising for its Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC), Project Zip Code, increased media advertising in Washington targeting Congress and staff, and more. CUNA releases national brand logo and motto - "America's Credit Unions: Where people are worth more than money."
2000: CUNA backs the NEFE High School Financial Planning Program to help youth become more financially literate.
Sept. 11, 2001: Modeled on the Florida House the state keeps in Washington and which Mica used while a congressman, the CUNA CEO had recommended credit unions build their own Credit Union House on Capitol Hill. On the morning of Sept. 11, Mica and other national and state CU reps were preparing to cut the ribbon on Credit Union House, when terrorists attacked.
2002: America's Credit Union Museum opens up at the site of the first credit union in the country - St. Mary's Bank in Manchester, N.H.
2005: Mica, other CU reps, testify during hearings by then House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas on the CU tax exemption. Separately, Mica and other CU voices testified and lobbied in favor of the Bankruptcy Abuse Reform Act of 2005, following an eight-year effort in Congress. The bill was passed, although some strong voices within CUs opposed the legislation.
