In a scene reminiscent of the annual credit union lobbying pilgrimage during CUNA's GAC, more than 1,000 CUs from 42 states are expected to visit one or more of their lawmakers over the next few weeks.
The lobbying trips are an extension of CUNA's "Hike the Hill" program under which the various state credit union leagues bring real-life credit union executives and directors, as opposed to professional lobbyists, to visit their congressmen.
While many, if not most, of the executives will discuss efforts at regulatory relief and even the long-stalled bankruptcy reform bill, the focus will be on the maintenance of the credit union tax exemption, constantly under attack form the banks.
The CUNA faithful will also participate in a two-hour "Election Fair" on Capitol Hill, which will demonstrate to lawmakers and their staff the growing credit union involvement in congressional races. The Election Fair will feature booths on several CUNA election initiatives, like Project Zip Code, which identifies the number of voters in each congressional district, the "Get Out the Vote" program, and grassroots activity. CUNA also hopes to have several lawmakers attend to address the group.
The CUNA hikes will culminate next week when another 450 credit union executives will gather in the Capital for NAFCU's annual Congressional Caucus, giving the credit union movement high visibility just as election season starts to peak.
