ORLANDO, Fla.–Credit unions gathered here were given an update on how their advocacy efforts, particularly in three state capitols, have helped get favored legislation passed while helping to stop bills credit unions oppose.
“Advocacy has always been job one at LSCU & Affiliates,” said CEO Patrick LaPine. “Over this last year at the federal level especially, we spent a lot of time really doubling down on this. We hosted countless meetings with candidates as well as lawmakers running for reelection with you at the local level….You’ve also helped us collect more PAC money to help elect training candidates than we've ever had before.”
LaPine said the league partnered with CUNA on several partisan communications, which he credited for helping elect Katie Britt to the U.S. Senate from Alabama. Britt now serves on the Senate Banking Committee. In Georgia, LaPine said league and CUNA advocacy efforts helped to elect Rep. Sanford Bishop to the House from Georgia.
In addition, at the federal level LaPine said credit union advocacy helped to pass legislation in the prior session to expand field of membership rules, while meetings with Treasury, the CFPB, NCUA and others helped to “make sure they understand how some proposals that they put forward really adversely affect” credit unions.
Surprise State Level Fight
One state-level battles, LaPine said one fight LSCU had not anticipated was over card interchange.
“The retailers took that interchange battle to the state legislatures,” said LaPine. “Were able to defeat the retailers, but in Florida it came very close to passing.”
He also praised credit unions for their successes in getting legislation passed in the three states requiring financial education and literacy to be taught in high schools.
Awards are Presented
LSCU also presented awards to people in Alabama, Florida.
2022 Distinguished Award
The highest award presented by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions was given to Mary Ott Wood, the retiring president and CEO of Florida West Coast Credit Union
Volunteer of the Year Alabama: Command Sergeant Charlie Miller, first vice chair, Redstone Credit Union
Volunteer of the Year Florida: James Notter, vice chair, BrightStar Credit Union
Volunteer of the Year Georgia: Harold Harbin, board member, North Georgia Credit Union
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