ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Nearly 200 credit union advocates from across Minnesota gathered in St. Paul on Feb. 20 to meet with legislators as part of the state's annual Credit Union Day.
Credit Union Day was created as a way to strengthen grass-root influences by building positive relationships with legislators. Attendees met with their own elected officials to discuss credit union issues and values and heard from guest speakers: Senate Minority Leader, the House Majority Leader, the Chief House Author of Minnesota's Plastic Card Security Act, and the Chair of the Senate Taxes Committee.
Luncheon keynote speaker, Senate Minority Leader David Senjem (R-Rochester), called the credit union movement "truly American" and said, "As long as I'm up on that hill, we're not going to tax [credit unions]." Sen. Senjem also discussed the main issues facing the legislature this session including a transportation bill, revision of the budget, a legacy bill to find environmental and Minnesota heritage projects, and a bonding bill for infrastructure projects.
Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis), the Chief House Author of Minnesota's Plastic Card Security Act, encourage credit unions to build relationships and keep in contact with legislators and elected officials.
"We share the same values and it's always a privilege to work with you," Rep. Davnie said.
House Majority Leader, Tony Sertich (DFL-Chishold) praised credit unions for their unique advertising methods, specifically the billboards in St. Paul. Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), Chair of the Senate Taxes Committee, thanked credit unions for what they do for members.
"This year's Credit Union Day at the Capitol really focused on building and continually developing relationships with legislators," said Minnesota Credit Union Network President/CEO Mark D. Cummins. "This level of credit union support shown by our speakers, all of whom are in prominent positions at the Capitol, illustrates the benefit of having positive relationships with legislators."
--lsiegriest@cutimes.com
