Speaking at the Minnesota Credit Union Network's annualpolitical advocacy event in St. Paul, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said he will protect the creditunions' tax exemption.

Dayton stressed that his proposal for tax reform does notinvolve the credit unions' tax exemption, saying that credit unionsprovide important services and he won't tamper with that, reportedMcCUN. The governor made his remarks Tuesday at a Credit Union Dayevent, according to McCUN.

“I have special regard for those who serve their members andtheir needs, for those who provide savings back to their customers.I thank you for that,” Dayton told the group of more than 150credit union representatives at MnCUN's event.

Financial literacy was another topic discussed at Credit UnionDay. Dayton and Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner MikeRothman touched on its importance. Rothman told Credit Union Dayattendees he believes credit unions and the state can work togetherto make big strides in the financial literacy realm.

“We have a common goal – that people, from kindergarten toretirement, have the lifetime skills to attain financialstability,” Rothman said.

Credit union leaders took the financial literacy message invisits with their local legislators in the state's capitol. Theytouted the avenues used to help members with financial education,including in-school, student-run credit union branches opened bythe $106 million HomeTown FCU in Owatonna and the $116 million St.Paul FCU in St. Paul.

Following the theme of this year's Credit Union Day, “MinnesotaCredit Unions: A Trusted Partner,” credit union leaders also talkedwith legislators about the reasons why more consumers are choosingcredit unions, with trust being a top factor.