Democrats generally possess a penchant for consumer protectionism, and they now control Congress and the White House.

Executives with credit union said the ongoing recession is moving the economic advantages of shared branching to the front burner once again.

"There's a feeling" that economic conditions are improving for Arizona credit unions but "we may not be there yet," according to Steve Dunham, the chairman of the Arizona Credit Union League.

The Bel Air, Md.-based Freedom Federal Credit Union said it has earmarked $50 million in SBA lending to help local small business owners gain access to much-needed capital.