CU Executives Converge On CapitolHill

WASHINGTON - (09/09/04) -- As many as 1,000 credit unionsexecutives are expected to visit their lawmakers over the next fewweeks to argue for the credit union tax exemption. Representativesfrom 42 states are expected to participate in CUNA's 'Hike theHill' month, which will serve as both a lobbying pilgrimage and atune-up to the credit unions participation in the fall'scongressional elections. The executives will discuss credit unionpriorities like regulatory relief and the long-stalled bankruptcyreform bill, but will focus on the tax exemption, in an attempt torebut the bankers' expanding attacks. The two-week Hike willculminate Sept. 22 with an 'Election Fair' on Capitol Hill, whichwill demonstrate to lawmakers and their staff the growing creditunion involvement in congressional races by showcasing initiatives,like Project Zip,and the 'Get Out the Vote' program. The peak willcome just as hundreds of other credit union executives converge onthe Capital for NAFCU's annual Congressional Caucus.