TUCSON, Ariz. – The tragic shooting here that claimed six lives and injured 14 people, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, is being felt by this state’s credit unions, which had a close relationship with the congresswoman.
Austin De Bey, VP of government affairs for the Arizona CU League, told Credit Union Journal the league has had a relationship with Rep. Giffords for a decade, when she first was elected to an office. “I have worked with her since 2004, when she was a state senator,” he recalled. In 2005 she resigned her seat to run for U.S. Congress and the Arizona Credit Union League endorsed her.
“Most recently, we worked with her on the interchange part of the Frank-Dodd Act,” De Bey continued. “She signed a letter opposing it. She has been a great congressman to work with on our issues and she is one of the most accessible members of Congress.”
When members of the Arizona CU League were in Washington, D.C., last spring along with representatives from several Arizona credit unions, the group had a meeting set up with Giffords. Instead of a standard meet-and-greet at her office, De Bey said Giffords made arrangements to meet at a coffee shop. “It was one of the best meetings I’ve had with a lawmaker. She makes herself accessible for any of her constituents, including credit unions.”
Giffords remains hospitalized in critical condition.
