We advocate for credit unions

A major priority for us is to protect credit unions’ interest with federal and state legislators and regulatory. We build and preserve relationships with lawmakers and policymakers to make sure credit unions and their members are represented in the legislative and regulatory process.

We keep credit unions top-of-mind for lawmakers through events like Day at the Capitol in Topeka, KS and Jefferson City, MO and CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. We also attend and hold legislative receptions and in-district meetings throughout Kansas and Missouri. To keep the conversation going, we connect with lawmakers through social and share stories impacting credit unions and the industry.

When talking with legislators, we highlight the credit union difference.

Credit union difference

Social Purpose

Credit unions exist to help people. Every member counts. Our members know their credit unions will be there for them in bad times, as well as good. Our people-first philosophy leads credit unions and our employees to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes.

Not-for-profit

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Our focus is to serve our members, not to make a profit. We do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.

Member Owned

By joining a credit union and using its products, you become a member and are an equal owner of the credit union and have an equal voice in the direction of the credit union, regardless if you have $1 or $1 million in your accounts. Rather than answering to a few stockholders, credit unions’ focus is to benefit all members.

Volunteer Boards

Credit unions are controlled by a volunteer Board of Directors elected from and by the credit union members.

Taxation

Credit unions DO pay taxes — including payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and taxes on unrelated business income. Credit unions do not pay the federal income tax on profits because of our not-for-profit organizational structure – our profits are returned back to members.

Membership

People qualify for credit union membership through a common bond. Members may work for the same employer or in the same industry, be affiliated with a particular organization or religion, or live in the same geographic area.

Energizing advocacy

The Advocacy staff has worked with us to reenergize our advocacy efforts. From in-person training to simply being there by phone or email when we need them, the Advocacy team has been extremely helpful. Every HCUA member can feel confident knowing they represent us at both the state and federal level.”

~ Darren Werth, Heartland Credit Union

Source of information

“The Advocacy team is an excellent source of information. Around 45 of our managers attended the ‘Advocacy 101’ training, and we received very positive feedback and plan to offer it again. The Advocacy team does a fantastic job of preparing us for legislative events. I always feel confident when speaking with our lawmakers.”

~ Larry Sewell, Together Credit Union