Cooperative Credit Union Association Advocates on Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, March 5th, the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) took to Capitol Hill to champion the credit union difference! Nearly 150 credit union advocates met with Representatives and Senators from across the Association's four states. Congressional leaders strongly supported maintaining the credit union tax status, recognizing its critical role in keeping member dollars within local communities.

Delaware

Delaware credit union staff, leaders, and board members met with all three members of their congressional delegation. Freshman Representative Sarah McBride delivered strong remarks in support of preserving the credit union tax status and expanding lending opportunities for veterans. Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester, both longtime supporters of the movement, engaged directly with members. Advocates also expressed their appreciation to Senator Blunt Rochester for her leadership on credit union board modernization.

Rhode Island

All four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation met with Ocean State credit union advocates. During the GAC, Representative Magaziner, a longtime champion of credit unions, agreed to co-lead a letter advocating for the preservation of the credit union tax status. Senators Reed, Whitehouse, and Amo voiced strong support for credit union legislation, particularly regarding veteran member business lending. As a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Reed reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a clean NDAA for credit unions.

Massachusetts

Bay State advocates met directly with ranking member Senators Elizabeth Warren, who shared her personal experience with credit unions and emphasized their vital role in supporting members and communities. She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the credit union tax status for this reason.

Senator Markey, following a small business hearing, met with advocates to discuss how credit unions uplift and support small businesses.

Staff representatives from Representatives Pressley, Lynch, Whip Clark, Representative Neal, and Representative McGovern also engaged in in-depth discussions on key credit union issues, including veteran member business lending and tax status preservation. Following these conversations, Representative McGovern committed to signing onto the MBL. CCUA appreciates the strong support from the entire Massachusetts delegation.

New Hampshire

On Wednesday morning, credit unions highlighted tangible ways they invest in local communities, particularly through business lending and housing initiatives. Senator Hassan and Senator Shaheen’s staff acknowledged the unique benefits that Granite State credit unions bring to their communities and explored opportunities for collaboration, particularly in addressing housing challenges.

Representative Goodlander, a veteran and first-year Representative, joined the morning reception, demonstrating her support for credit unions. Representative Pappas also reiterated his commitment to credit unions, drawing parallels to his experience as a small business owner.