INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Congressman Mike Sodrel (R) was named asthe Indiana Credit Union League's Outstanding Hoosier Legislatorfor 2005 in recognition of his support for the state's CUs andtheir 2.2 million members. Since taking office in January, Rep.Sodrel has met with Indiana CU leaders on several occasions both inWashington, D.C. and in his district. “His accessibility as well ashis receptiveness to our message about how consumers and smallbusiness owners benefit from credit unions has been tremendous,”said League President/CEO John McKenzie. In April, Sodrel voted topass bankruptcy reform legislation, and he recently signed on toco-sponsor the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act. “He hasbeen so supportive of credit unions as a new congressman,” McKenziesaid, adding his appreciation of Sodrel's co-sponsorship of CURIA.Sodrel accepted the award during the Indiana League's statewideconvention on Oct. 8. He told attendees he was honored to receivethe award and related to them his experiences in Congress in hisfreshman year as well as explained some of his historicalinspiration for serving the people of Indiana. Sodrel is also theowner of a business, and he told conferees that several years agohe asked his employees what could be added to improve theirbenefits plan. They told him they wanted to be able to join acredit union.