Texas GAC: The many faces of CU advocacy

Cornerstone continues to receive terrific feedback from attendees of last week's Texas Governmental Affairs Conference. More than 130 credit union leaders and young professionals took part in the two-day event, which presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with colleagues, league staff, and lawmakers alike.

During his presentation, Rep. Todd Hunter asked the crowd how many of them were first timers at a Texas GAC, and about one-quarter of the audience raised their hands.

"Seeing so many first-timers at the Texas GAC is encouraging and reflects a continued positive interest and willingness for credit unions to prioritize government relations as a top goal," said Cornerstone Chief Advocacy Officer Jim Phelps. "Along with these first-timers, we were pleased to see a full house of experienced advocates who not only set the standard for engagement, but also led the way for others during capitol visits."

This year's priorities for Texas GAC included getting support from legislators for:

• Clarification of the debt cancellation agreement,
• School district depositories,
• Maintaining the Texas Credit Union Department's SDSI status,
• Data security and breaches, and
• Protecting the credit union franchise tax exemption.

What About Results?

Credit union leaders visit Rep. Candy Noble during Texas GAC. Left to right: Arthur Young, Neighborhood CU; Rep. Candy Noble; and Carolyn Jordan, Neighborhood CU.

Across the board, "hikers" at the Texas capitol reported that legislative visits were positive, and lawmakers or their legislative aides were receptive and interested. Many inquired about upcoming bills and sponsors and how they could help.

Along with Carolyn Jordan from Neighborhood Credit Union, Resource One's Phillip Crocker attended meetings with Carl Sherman (District 109), Jane Nelson (District 12), Royce West (District 23), Rhetta Bowers (District 113), Victoria Neave (District 107), and Bob Hall (District 2). All but Nelson wanted to know the bill number of the proposed "Debt Cancellation Agreement" clarification once it has been filed.

The best visit, in Crocker's opinion, came from Bowers' office. Crocker and Jordan's teams met with Bowers' legislative director Mihaela Plesa, who stated that the School District Depositories bill, HB592, sounded like something they could get behind and would put it on the congresswoman’s watch list. "She also indicated that it’s a good possibility that the congresswoman would be willing to be a joint author," Crocker said. "There also may be some interest to do some financial outreach with the congresswoman’s district."

Credit union leaders visit Rep. Jonathan Stickland. Left to right: Robert Mort, Texas People FCU; Kimber Cockrill, Cornerstone Credit Union League; Andy Reed, Texas People FCU; Rep. Jonathan Stickland; Paul Vaught, American Airlines FCU; Faith Anderson, American Airlines FCU; Brenda Tristan, American Airlines FCU; Christy Mort (spouse of Robert Mort); Charlotte Spencer, Texas Credit Union Association; and Howard Geffen, American Airlines FCU.

Crocker and Jordan said they would follow up with Bowers' office.

Jordan added that one lawmaker's office requested examples of similar data security laws from other states. In addition to lawmakers listed above, Jordan also met with those from the Plano area, Rep. Candy Noble (District 89) and Rep. Jeff Leach (District 67).

"Both were very supportive," Jordan said, "and they know my board director, Arthur Young, personally."

Want to see more photos? Visit the Texas GAC photo gallery, thanks to our professional photographer Matt Valentine.