WASHINGTON–The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is calling for a follow-up “industry-wide strategy meeting” to take place this week on April 30th to further discuss what it says are “major issues on the horizon.”
The Defense Council said those major issues include the potential threat to the credit union tax status, concerns surrounding the NCUA’s independence, interchange proposals, and more. DCUC said there is an “urgent need for coordinated and collaborative advocacy.”
DCUC said it is calling on credit union leaders, leagues, and strategic partners across the movement to “engage now and join with their voices to defend the cooperative credit union model, mission, and impact.”
‘Not Time to Panic…’
“This is a time for panic—but it is a time for unity,” DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez said in a statement. “We must mobilize with purpose and precision. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of our industry for years to come.”
Added Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak in a statement, “This moment demands our full attention and collective action. Our strength lies in our unity, and now is the time to ensure that every voice in the credit union movement is heard—on the Hill, in the media, and in every community we serve.”
Return of Congress
The Defense Council noted Congress returns this week from recession and among the items on its agenda is a major tax bill—including potential offsets—over the next few weeks. Credit unions are wary of the credit union tax exemption being eliminated as part of that tax package.
This week’s call would be the second hosted by DCUC in as many weeks. Last week it hosted a virtual conference call to which numerous organizations were invited.
During the call, issues discussed included recent research and advocacy strategies aimed at protecting not-for-profit credit unions and highlighting their value to America’s communities—particularly underserved, rural populations and military families, DCUC said.
‘Beneath the Surface’
“There is more happening beneath the surface,” added Hernandez in a statement. “Several credit union leagues will be in D.C. next week for in-person meetings on Capitol Hill. This is the time to amplify the credit union story and ensure our message is front and center.”
For additional info, DCUC is urging credit unions to contact Jason Stverak, at [email protected].
