Kansas Advocates Bring Issues, Anti-Fraud Message to the Capitol

Kansas credit union leaders and advocates gathered in Topeka this week for Kansas Day at the Capitol, a full day of engagement focused on legislative updates, relationship-building, and face-to-face conversations with policymakers. Throughout the day, approximately 140 advocates met with lawmakers to discuss issues impacting credit unions and the Kansans they serve, reinforcing the industry’s role as a trusted, community-based financial partner.

A key highlight of the day was a press conference hosted by the Kansas Credit Union Association spotlighting the statewide “Fight the Fraud” initiative. Held in the Old Supreme Court Room at the Kansas Statehouse, the event brought together credit union leadership, legislators, and law enforcement to address the growing threat of financial fraud across the state. 

Speakers included Greg Winkler, president/CEO of Azura Credit Union; Mike Kagay; Brenda Dietrich, chair of the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions; and Nick Hoheisel, chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions. 

“Fraud is not a partisan issue. It affects every community in Kansas,” said Winkler. “Our fraud team investigated 1,729 cases of fraud or suspected fraud. Of those cases, we logged losses to our organization right at $300,000. Azura saved $2.5 million in fraud that we identified and stopped before it became full-on fraud."  

The speakers emphasized that fraud impacts Kansans daily, straining consumers, financial institutions, and law enforcement alike. They also highlighted bipartisan legislative efforts aimed at strengthening protections, improving enforcement, and preventing criminals from exploiting increasingly sophisticated scams. 

Jean Hughes, chief administrative officer at Mainstreet Credit Union in Lenexa, Kan., emphasized the importance of engaging with events like Day at the Capitol. 

"Day at the Capitol is really a time for credit unions to shine in the state of Kansas and to really explain why we are a different type of financial institution," she said. "This year is especially important with the heightened focus on fraud with the Fight the Fraud campaign, as credit unions work hard to keep our members safe. It's a great time to come together for a unified cause."

See the television coverage of the event here. Visit Cornerstone's events calendar for more upcoming advocacy opportunities. The next Day at the Capitol event will take place Feb. 11 in Jefferson City, Mo.