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“When it comes to advocacy, few things top spending actual ‘face time’ with our elected officials. The power of bringing nearly 20 credit union leaders to Washington, D.C., for the sole purpose of spending time talking with members of our Congressional Delegation about issues is significant,” stated Elise Baldacci, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Maine CU League, talking about the League’s Hike the Hill trip, which took place June 4-6.
Senator Susan Collins listens while Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine CU League, discusses CU issues as other Hike attendees look on.
During the two-day trip, the twenty first such trip, including four special visits, since the first Hike took place back in 2002, the attendees spent time with each member of Maine’s Congressional Delegation and members of their staffs in their offices on Capitol Hill. “We had some very productive conversations about regulatory burden, cyber security, marijuana-banking, and other legislative priorities. In addition, we had an opportunity to thank those members of our Delegation that supported S. 2155, which was passed and signed into law in late May. This legislation was very important to our credit unions, and we appreciate Senators Collins and King, and Congressman Poliquin in helping it pass. It was nice to deliver a thank-you message in person,” added Baldacci.
Senator Angus King pictured in his office with Maine CU Hike the Hill attendees.
Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine CU League, agreed, noting, “Many of the conversations that are started during these visits help to lay the foundation for support and action. For instance, when we visited last fall with members of our Delegation in Washington, we spoke about the need for regulatory relief. As a result, Senator King became an early co-sponsor of S. 2155, and Senator Collins was a strong supporter. On the House side, Congressman Poliquin was a strong supporter.”
Congresswoman Pingree and Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine CU League.
Tucker Cole, President/CEO of Maine State CU and Chair of the League’s Political Involvement Committee, called the “face-to-face conversations ‘priceless’ in building and strengthening communications not only with our Delegation but with their staffs, who play such an important role in whether or not they will support legislation.” Ginny Hughes, President/CEO of Changing Seasons FCU, participated in this year’s Hike. She said, “We are a small credit union but the Hike allows credit unions of all sizes to participate and be a part of important conversations that matter to us and to have our voices heard.”
Congressman Poliquin takes note during a visit from Maine CUs in June to his Washington, D.C., office.
In addition to meetings on Capitol Hill, the group also met with staff at the National Credit Union Administration, where field of membership was a hot topic. Much of the discussion focused on the field of membership issue, and comments and feedback from the group were supportive of the revised field of membership rules that the NCUA Board passed several weeks after the visit.
“While we speak regularly with members of our Delegation and their staffs, as well as coordinate in-district visits and meetings, these types of visits are an important part of our advocacy success, and we appreciate the strong participation we get from credit unions across the state,” said Baldacci.