Underlining CUNA’s stepped-up efforts on legislative advocacy atthe state level, two leagues, California and Texas, unveiled plansFriday for “Hike the State Capitol”programming.

In both states as well as elsewhere, the advocacy boost was partof a CUNA campaign to get better acquainted with the many freshmanGOP lawmakers who took office in the elections lastNovember.

In California, however, the get-acquainted blitz is focusing ona Democratic administration–that of Gov. Jerry Brown with theCalifornia/Nevada Credit Union League detailing a hyped

“Government Relations Rally” April 11-12 at the SacramentoConvention Center.

“There are any number of bills being introduced in the statelegislature with many on mortgages that need watching which is whyrally participation is urgent this year,” explained

Melissa Ameluxen, the league’s director of state governmentaffairs.

Invited to the “GRR” event are the governor, Lt. Gov. GavinNewsom and California Department of Financial InstitutionsCommissioner William Haraf who is a confirmed speaker.

In Texas, meanwhile, the state league said it has for the firsttime rearranged its scheduling at its annual meeting April 26-28 inAustin to debut a “Hike the Capitol” event in which delegates willbe bused to the capitol building to meet with lawmakers.

In a to-do list sent out this week, the Texas League urgedattendees to “make your own appointments” on April 28 just at theconclusion of the conference but be sure “to prepare your materialabout your credit union” and become informed on the issues.

Then “report back on your visit with your elected official”using a reporting form provided by the league, the advisorysuggested.

“By taking part in Hike the Capitol, you are helping to buildrelationships and educate lawmakers on the scope and efforts ofcredit unions in their community as well as providing valuableinsight as to the unintended consequences of well intentioned”legislation, the league concluded.