WASHINGTON-During CUNA's GAC, Credit Union Journal asked attendees what results they hoped get from legislators this year.
Mike Bryan, CEO
Mutual Savings CU, Atlanta
I would like to see them reduce the amount of burden from regulations. The rules they are passing, coming out of Dodd-Frank, are really impacting our credit union. Do I really think legislators will reduce the burden? No, but I try to remain hopeful. I, too, want to make sure we are protected on the taxation issue-banks are lobbying for repeal here. Credit unions are getting into a lot of different areas now and banks think it's good time to go after our tax exemption.
Steve Ahlness, CEO
Greater Minnesota CU, Mora, Minn.
I want less regulation, but it won't happen-we will get more if it. I hope the member business lending bill goes through, that's No. 1. Other than that I have no other expectations except preserving our tax exemption. Banks' attention in this area is beginning to rise, and I have concerns. I just want the bankers to leave us alone.
Tom Brewer, CEO
Peoples FCU, Nitro, W.Va.
I hope to see an increase in the member business lending cap; that would help the majority of credit unions. It would give them the ability to lend more money and create jobs. Credit unions can really play a role in the economic recovery and, hopefully, Washington will see the light.
Bruce Brady, Chief HR Officer
Warren FCU, Cheyenne, Wyo.
I want Congress to focus on the economy and get people back to work. I would also like them to really understand that when they pass a bill in the banking world it affects everyone, every day. The Durbin rule really did a job on Americans. And this whole idea that you have to pass a bill to see what's in it, that has to change. From an HR perspective, I am really worried about healthcare legislation and how it will affect our ability to provide excellent health benefits for our employees.
John Rupert, CEO
Muskegon Co-op FCU, Muskegon, Mich.
I hope regulatory relief is coming. That is everything to us now. MBL is also important to the movement, and alternative capital would be great. I will keep coming back to regulatory relief, because that reaches so deeply into the credit union. It affects our operations, costs, and can affect the products and services we deliver to members.
Sundie Seefried, CEO,
Partner Colorado, CU, Arvada, Colo.
I want a little more priority for credit unions, and I hope we don't get upstaged by the bankers who will follow us to the Hill. It would be nice, too, if we had some favorable legislation for credit unions, or for financial institutions in general. A lot of seemingly anti-financial institution legislation has been coming out of Washington, like the Durbin Amendment. It seems like Washington is trying to punish us for the entire recession.
