Advocates take credit union priorities to lawmakers at 2021 Virtual Advocacy Tour

On By nycuaIn NY Minute

During the 2021 Virtual Advocacy Tour, New York credit union advocates took their message to state and federal lawmakers to discuss key legislative issues impacting the state’s credit unions.

Meeting directly with lawmakers is a key component of the New York Credit Union Association’s advocacy efforts. The Association’s Virtual Advocacy Tour, held during February and March, provided credit union advocates the opportunity to discuss legislative matters influencing everyday operations and procedures with members of Congress and the state Legislature.

Meetings were held via Zoom with members of the U.S. House, the state Senate and state Assembly. Advocates also had the opportunity to connect with Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader.  Credit union advocates brought legislators’ attention to a variety of pressing credit union issues, including:

  • public deposits;
  • remote electronic notarization;
  • loan flexibility;
  • data security liability;
  • cannabis banking.

Participants shared their first-hand experiences of serving New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the unique services they offered and the important work credit unions carried out when members were struggling financially. The advocates also urged the lawmakers to use their voice to push for the inclusion of frontline credit union personnel in the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plans.

“Although we could not advocate in person in Albany and Washington, D.C as we normally do because of the pandemic, New York’s credit unions were strongly represented during our first-ever Virtual Advocacy Tour,” said William J. Mellin, Association president/CEO. “Yet whether in person or virtually, the opportunity for credit union leaders from around the state to network with lawmakers remains an invaluable tool in furthering the mission of the credit union movement. Credit union advocates possess a unique ability to make an impact on lawmakers and the law-making process by connecting on a personal level.”

Although the 2021 Virtual Advocacy Tour has officially ended, the Association is seeking to continue the dialogue with lawmakers in the months to come. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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