When it comes to lobbying against the credit union taxexemption, banking trade associations hit the sweet spot thisyear.

Both the American Bankers Association and Independent CommunityBankers of America are gathering in Washington this week and next,as the House Ways and Means Committee's working groups collect information and make recommendations regarding taxreform.

The working groups are to compile their information and submit areport to the full committee May 6.

The ABA concluded its annual Government Relations Summit onWednesday, bringing more than 1,000 bankers to Washington to visitmembers of Congress.

Fighting the credit union tax exemption was listed among the topspeaking points and was the featured topic for the group's April 16general session titled “Credit Union Taxation: Now is theTime.”

Adding insult to injury, an ABA videofor attendees promoting the event features a photo of bankersshaking hands with a smiling Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), a frequent sponsor of credit unionlegislation and a vocal credit union supporter.

The ICBA will gather in Washington for its annual WashingtonPolicy Summit on April 24 and 25. The ICBA summit agenda does notinclude a session on credit union tax exemption; however, the ICBAactively lobbies Congress against what it calls the “Credit UnionPower Grab,” referring to legislative attempts to increase themember business lending cap and permit credit unions to holdsupplemental capital on their books.

In preparation for the events, CUNA booked ads in Washingtonpublications Politico and The Hill to coincidewith bankers' visits to Capitol Hill. The ads tout credit unionbenefits to consumers and promote the trade association's creditunion finder website, asmarterchoice.org.