It may be the holiday season, but it is also a crucial time in the legislative process, as the New York Credit Union Association looks to lay the groundwork for the upcoming state legislative session and make sure that elected officials in Washington, D.C., are aware of the New York credit union movement’s top priorities.

Over the past week, Association staff and advocates from member credit unions met with six members of Congress from across the geographical and ideological divide in Washington, D.C. This included attending fundraisers for Republican Reps. John Katko (R-24), Tom Reed (R-23), Elise Stefanik (R-21) and Lee Zeldin (R-1), and Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-3) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-8), who now holds one of the key leadership positions in the House.

Staff from the Association also met with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s staff. At this meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues, including the need for comprehensive cybersecurity regulations as well as the need to clarify the legality of marijuana and hemp banking.

Meanwhile, on the state level, Association staff met with key members of the Democratic leadership in the state Senate and Assembly to discuss credit union priorities for the upcoming session.

Finally the Association continues to actively advocate for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign the Banking Development District bill. The legislation passed both houses of the Legislature with bipartisan support last session. The Association strongly supports the legislation and is encouraging all New York credit union advocates to contact the governor’s office to urge him to sign the bill into law.

“The holiday season is no time to get complacent with our advocacy; in fact, it is a key time period for both our state and federal advocacy initiatives,” said Association President/CEO William J. Mellin. “The Association has had a productive summer and autumn from an advocacy standpoint, and we look forward to the start of the new legislative session.”