Why it Matters: Credit Union Day at the Capitol and the Power of Idaho Credit Union Advocacy

Posted by Zach Forster on December 18, 2025

Over the past several years, Idaho’s credit unions have been pushing hard—and delivering real results.

Credit unions have built strong, trusted relationships at the Statehouse. Those relationships helped pass meaningful legislation, including the expansion of public funds and important updates to the Idaho Credit Union Act. They also helped stop harmful proposals, like interchange legislation, that would have hurt credit union members and communities across our state.

That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because credit unions show up, engage, and lead.

While we may not be running specific credit union legislation this year, when it comes to advocacy, there is no such thing as a down year. Every year is an opportunity to reinforce who we are, what we stand for, and why credit unions matter to Idaho’s future.

That’s exactly why this year’s Credit Union Day at the Capitol on Jan. 21, 2026 remains so important. Please register here. We would love to see you and your team there or talk about what your participation could look like.

Credit Union Day at the Capitol is about continuing to strengthen the relationships you’ve worked hard to build—and reminding policymakers that credit unions are trusted, constructive partners in solving Idaho’s biggest challenges.

One of the clearest examples of that partnership is housing.

Idaho’s credit unions are already making homeownership possible for families across our state, and that story deserves to be heard. Credit unions have provided $7.3 billion in home loans to Idaho families, including $760 million to help first-time homebuyers. More than $192,000 in down payment assistance has helped turn the dream of homeownership into reality for Idahoans who might otherwise be left behind.

Families don’t just come to credit unions for a mortgage—they come for a future.

As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset to housing affordability. You partner with community organizations and state leaders, offer innovative programs and flexible lending options, and meet people where they are. That practical, people-first approach is exactly what policymakers need to see and understand.

It’s also why more than 1.4 million Idahoans—nearly 72 percent of our state’s population—have chosen a credit union as their financial partner.

Through Credit Union Day at the Capitol, we will deliver the message to reinforce how Idaho’s credit unions work hand-in-hand with state leaders and community organizations to ensure more families, in more communities, have access to safe, affordable financial services. We will continue to position credit unions as problem solvers, trusted legislative partners, and institutions deeply invested in Idaho’s long-term success.

Staying engaged and maintaining strong relationships doesn’t just advance our mission—it helps protect it. By leading with solutions and credibility, we remain vigilant against costly threats like interchange and debanking proposals, and we ensure lawmakers continue to view credit unions as partners they rely on and respect.

The work continues—and Idaho’s credit unions are ready.

Credit Union Day at the Capitol is a key part of that work. We hope you’ll join us and help keep Idaho credit unions visible, respected, and leading the way. Please join us January 21 by registering here.

Need Assistance with the Registration Fee?

The Grassroots Grant Fund helps credit union leaders and team members attend key advocacy events — like Days at the Capitol, Hike the Hill, and the Governmental Affairs Conference. If you are interested in applying for a grant, please click here, or contact Jordan Beyer.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Idaho Advocacy.