More than 80 advocates from 20 NC credit unions will join League staff in Washington, DC for the 2013 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference. The GAC will offer some credit unions their first opportunity to meet with newly-elected members of the US House of Representatives from the Tar Heel State.
The US House delegation from NC includes four new faces, all of whom are Republicans: Richard Hudson (8th District), Robert Pittenger (9th District), Mark Meadows (11th District) and George Holding (13th District). League representatives and several credit union staff have met with Hudson, Pittenger, Meadows and Holding in the months since their election. However for most in attendance at the GAC, this will be the first opportunity to meet with the freshman lawmakers.
"The GAC offers credit union staff a great opportunity to visit with the Congressional Delegation while in Washington, DC," remarked Dan Schline, SVP of Association Services. Schline noted that a full day of meetings with lawmakers are scheduled for Wednesday, February 27.
Credit unions plan to focus on a variety of legislative issues with lawmakers, including supplemental capital, member business lending and the credit union tax exemption. "Tax reform is high on the agenda list in the 113th Congress, and so it is vital that credit unions take the opportunity to share the importance of maintaining the corporate tax exemption," said Schline.
Three House members from NC serve on the House Financial Services Committee in the 113th Congress: Congs. Patrick McHenry, Mel Watt and Robert Pittenger. In addition, Sen. Kay Hagan serves on the Senate Banking Committee, while Sen. Richard Burr serves on the Senate Finance Committee.
The GAC is the premier credit union political conference. This year's conference includes a compelling slate of keynote speakers and special guests, including former NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw, Author & Financial Expert Jean Chatzky, and the Speaker of the House, John Boehner.
The conference also includes breakout sessions, networking opportunities and a vendor exhibit hall. Meanwhile, the League will host a Hospitality Suite at the Grand Hyatt. "It will be a terrific experience and we look forward to seeing everyone in DC," Schline said.