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To facilitate relationships with new legislators and reinforce connections with returning legislators, the Maine Credit Union League hosted a series of Legislative Breakfasts and Luncheons across the state during the last month. As a result, when the gavel drops to convene the first, regular session of the 128th Maine 
Legislature, many legislators will do so with a greater understanding of Maine CUs and, most importantly, have a local credit union official to connect with when questions and issues arise. "The purpose of these events was to connect legislators with officials from their local credit unions and vice-versa, and to encourage them to communicate with each other throughout the year. Political involvement begins with local relationships and we are off to a strong start with the new Legislature," explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, pictured with Assistant Senate Majority Leader, Andre Cushing (l) at the Legislative Luncheon in Augusta.
(L-R - The County President/CEO, Ryan Ellsworth, talks local politics with newly-elected Rep. Chris Johansen at the Maine CU League's Legislative Breakfast in Presque Isle).
From the end of November until mid-December, the League held five Legislative Breakfasts and Luncheons, covering the entire state. Collectively, the five events were attended by 150 credit union officials and legislators, including several of the Legislature's new leaders. Each event featured introductions, an update on Maine's credit unions, and important issues. Both credit union attendees and legislators found the events valuable. Kyle Casburn, President/CEO of Seaboard FCU, attended the Bangor Luncheon and called "it an important part of building a rapport with legislators, and introducing legislators to their local credit unions. I appreciate the value of participating, and commend the Maine CU League for coordinating it and legislators attending." First-time Representative, Lois Reckitt, found the Legislative Luncheon she attended in South Portland to be "very informative. As a proud credit union member, I certainly know what credit unions do but to learn about some of your issues and how they could affect you is helpful."
(L-R - Freshman Senator Joyce Maker with Sue Cross and Ginny Hughes, Co-President/CEOs at Changing Seasons FCU, at the Legislative Luncheon in Bangor.)
Elise Baldacci, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Maine CU League, was pleased with how the events went and with the level of participation from credit union officials and legisators. She said it was gratifying at how many legislators spoke proudly of being credit union members. "The affiliation and praise that legislators offered about their local credit union, as well as at some of the community initiatives that credit unions support, including Ending Hunger, was nice to see. We have strong friends and supporters on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers. However, these events are just the beginning of our communications and engagement with legislators. We will be doing so throughout the session through Job Shadows, ongoing discussions in district and in the State House, and at Maine CU Day at the State House."
(Rep. Ralph Tucker and Roger Sirois, President/CEO of Atlantic FCU, at the Legislative Breakfast in Brunswick.)
Murphy noted that these events help to encourage and facilitate relationships between legislators and their local credit unions and that is a crucial part of legislative success. "We want legislators to take the opportunity to discuss an issue or concern with their local credit union, as well as send constituents who need assistance or guidance on financial issues there, too. These events are where some great relationships are formed and strengthened."
(L-R - Rep. Karen Vachon and Jason Lindstrom, President/CEO of Evergreen CU, get acquainted at the Legislative Luncheon in South Portland.)