It Happened at GAC: Successful Hill Meetings Result in Support for Tax Status, Priority Bills

March 6, 2025

Four hundred passionate credit union advocates are on their way back to their home states after joining the GoWest team for the annual National Governmental Affairs Conference. It was a special week, marking not only the 50^th anniversary of the event, but the first opportunity for the advocates to engage in face-to-face meetings with the 119^th Congress. In meetings with 47 of the region’s elected officials or key staffers, advocates shared credit union impact data and remarkable member service stories, and advocated for CU priorities.

Headline: Support for Credit Unions’ Tax Exemption

Every meeting carried a strong message: credit unions’ income tax exemption, determined by their not-for-profit, cooperative structure, benefits Americans far more than taxing them would – and advocates had the data to prove it. They were heard; Arizona Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-6) made a commitment to write to the House Ways and Means Committee urging protection of credit unions’ tax structure. In a meeting with Oregon advocates, Sen. Ron Wyden pointed out that with his role as Ranking Member of Senate Finance and his colleague Jeff Merkley serving as the Ranking Member of Senate Budget, they will be “in the room” to watch and protect the tax exemption in Senate negotiations. Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, a longtime supporter of CU priorities, Chairs Senate Finance.

Several House and Senate members committed to signing on as co-sponsors of other priority legislation including the Board Modernization Act and Veterans’ Member Business Loan Act.

GoWest Advocates in the Spotlight

Monday night the red carpet rolled out for the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards, the “Oscars” of the Credit Union Movement. Two of the four national awards were presented to outstanding leaders from our region; BECU’s Deborah Wege and Ironworkers USA FCU’s Teri Robinson. Read more here.

Robinson and Frontier CU’s Dan Thurman were inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders during a ceremony Sunday.

Speaking of the Credit Union House, a major modernization project was announced on the mainstage by GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang. It will double meeting space and make the iconic facility “a living, breathing impact tool” where visiting Members of Congress will see in real time how CUs are serving consumers in their home states. Credit unions and individuals are encouraged to contribute!

Two credit unions, Oregon State and Lewis Clark, received top honors for leading the nation in their asset categories, for raising funds for the America’s Credit Union PAC. GoWest’s Chris Kemm, AVP, Political Engagement, received the Chairman’s award for his work to engage credit unions in the PAC. More here.

Finally, six outstanding credit union leaders carried their state flags onto the mainstage to kick off the conference. More here.

While the National GAC brings a week of high visibility for credit unions to the beltway, Ryan Fitzgerald, GoWest’s SVP, Advocacy, is in constant contact with our elected delegation and frequently meets with them in person. Visit this blog often for his updates.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Federal Advocacy.