Be prepared before taxation attacks arise, says Gose

MADISON, Wis. (1/28/04)--Even in states that don't have current credit-union taxation legislation active, credit unions need to be prepared before the attacks begin, the Wisconsin CU League (WCUL) and credit unions heard Tuesday.

Richard Gose, CUNA vice president of political affairs, spoke at the league's Governmental Affairs Conference in Madison.

With Wisconsin having "orange" status in CUNA's alert system, Gose said credit unions need to be aware of past, current and future discussions regarding the taxation of credit unions.

Although not on a red alert because legislation is not active, Wisconsin is still at risk because of the underlying threat from the Wisconsin Bankers Association that "taxation of credit unions is not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," he added.

Gose said credit unions need to stand strong against the bankers' strategies of depleting credit unions' limited resources, forcing credit unions to switch to federal charters and weaken the dual-charter system, and dividing credit unions into large memberships vs. small, community and select employee group memberships.

He suggested the following strategies for leagues at the state level:

  • Explore voter views;
  • Prepare and use turn-key grassroots activities;
  • Assess and influence legislative environments;
  • Activate and energize credit unions;
  • Provide direct support to candidates in key states; and
  • Develop stronger coalitions with supportive groups at the state level.

Gose also acknowledged the power of CUNA's Project ZIP Code in identifying bases of voters to legislators. Wisconsin has reported 67% of credit union members have been identified with Project ZIP Code.

"Credit unions need to make legislators aware of the nature of credit unions' mission and unique components, and have legislators consider the impact of their actions on credit unions before they vote," Gose said.

Wisconsin CU League President/CEO Brett Thompson said the state's Governmental Affairs Conference had 109 registrants, including 30 first-time attendees. The conference continues today in Madison.

  Resource Link
Project ZIP Code


More CU/System

Copyright © 2012 Credit Union National Association