It’s a wrap! Grassroots Day in Topeka

Posted: Sep 13, 2023 | Author: Cornerstone League

Grassroots Advocacy Kansas

Sept. 12 saw 25 enthusiastic credit union people gather for Grassroots Day in Topeka, courtesy of host Envista Credit Union. Attendees had the option to attend the Advocacy 101 session in the morning, the Advanced Advocacy session in the afternoon, or both. Lunch was served between sessions. But that’s not all.

After lunch, Kansas Credit Union Association Executive Director Michael Murray had a fireside-style chat with Kansas Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-District 20), while KSCUA Grassroots and PAC Coordinator Emily Woods moderated.

Grassroots Day in Topeka, Fireside Chat with Sen. Dietrich

Kansas Sen. Brenda Dietrich speaks to credit unions,
with KSCUA Executive Director Michael Murray and
moderator Emily Woods, grassroots and PAC coordinator.

Dietrich is a lifetime credit union member and supporter with extensive knowledge about credit unions. She serves on the Kansas Senate Joint Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Benefits and is the vice chair of the Commerce Committee. She served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives for the 52nd district from 2017–2021. Prior to joining politics, she spent 40 years in education, serving as the superintendent of Auburn-Washburn USD 437 from 2001–2015.

Murray and Dietrich talked at length about the ESG legislation that was passed in the spring, which held credit unions harmless. They also addressed legislative leaders’ concerns about a broad bundle of tax proposals, one of which included a provision lowering the privilege taxes on banks. The governor vetoed the tax bill, and it failed to get enough votes for an override. While KSCUA was not actively working against the tax bill, Murray said they monitored it closely.

Dietrich gave her perspective on the best approach for engaging with your lawmaker, what to expect when you arrive at their office, and how to foster a relationship with them. Murray shared his experience advocating on behalf of credit unions this past session, as well as his knowledge of working in the Statehouse as a staff member for leadership.

NEW! Watch the Leaguer and your inbox for an announcement about a future Grassroots Day in Wichita.