WASHINGTON—Two members of Congress were on hand at CUNA’s GAC Tuesday to share advice on how to best interact with representatives when Hiking the Hill.
Kurt Schrader (D-OR) told attendees not to forget the obvious and make sure CU staff identify themselves as constituents.
“We listen to you, our constituents, more than we do the lobbyists,” said Schrader. “Then, when you talk to your representative, stay in your wheelhouse. If you start talking about other issues outside your wheelhouse, the eyes of Congressional staff and members will glaze over. Stay on course, that raises credibility.”
Schrader added that he, and other Congressmen need credit unions’ expertise,
“I need to know what you are doing to help you,” Schrader said.
For Rep. Walter Jones (D-NC) told attendees that what elected officials want to hear is what they can do to strengthen credit unions’ ability to provide services to help members’ needs.
“Let us hear from you about what you need so we can help you help take care of your members,” said Jones.
Jones said he has been a “credit union person” since he started in Congress in 1995.
“I am a credit union member and the credit unions in my district have always been supportive of me and have helped me politically,” Jones said. “As a result I try to support legislation that will allow credit unions to expand their services.”
Schrader said he has a great deal of respect for credit unions and what they do.
“During the depth of the recession you kept the credit lines going just as fees started popping up all over the place at banks,” said Schrader. “And as you know, a lot of people—many people in my state—turned to credit unions. Credit unions were there 100% for consumers during the difficult financial times. And, as public officials, we are very concerned about the people we represent.”
Schrader said it is very helpful to him during a political race to receive “third-party validation” from constituents.
“What people say about us to the average person means a lot,” said Schrader. “You are highly credible and have had a big impact on my campaigns.”