MnCUN announces 2011 Fair Share results & 2012 goals
In 2011, Minnesota credit unions not only met but exceeded the ambitious political fundraising goal set by the Network's Political Involvement Committee. This goal challenged credit unions to raise $50,000 for the Credit Union Volunteer Committee (CUVOL) and the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC) – the state and federal political action committees. Credit union professionals and volunteers throughout the state conquered this mark by contributing more than $56,000 in personal contributions.
One of the ways that credit unions can ensure that they are successful in the political arena is by meeting their Fair Share fundraising goals. The Fair Share Fundraising Plan was developed by the Network’s Political Involvement Committee as part of its efforts to continually position the credit union movement as a serious political force. Twenty-eight credit unions met their goal for 2011, and final numbers are posted on the Fair Share Fundraising page of the Network website.
Congratulations to the following credit unions that met their 2011 Fair Share goal:
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Accentra CU
Bluestone FCU
Catholic CU
City & County CU
Collegeville Community CU
Co-op of Montevideo CU
Eaton Employees CU
Financial One CU
First Alliance CU
Floodwood Area CU
HBI ECU
Hermantown CU
Hibbing Co-op CU
Hiway FCU |
Minnco CU
Minnesota Catholic CU
Minnesota Power ECU
Minnesota Valley FCU
North Country Cooperative FCU
North Memorial FCU
Pipefitters Steamfitters CU
Postal CU
Royal CU
St. Cloud FCU
St. Cloud City & County ECU
Toro EFCU
United Employees CU
West Financial CU
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All donations are based on receipts received as of December 31, 2011.
For 2012, the Network’s Political Involvement Committee has set credit unions’ Fair Share goals at $20 per credit union employee. To view your credit union's 2012 goals, visit the Fair Share Fundraising page of the Network website. This page will be updated quarterly to include the most recent fundraising totals for each credit union.
To assist credit unions in achieving their Fair Share Goal, a fundraising manual is available for download in the Political Fundraising section of the Network website. With questions about Fair Share goals, contact MnCUN Vice President – Governmental Affairs Mara Humphrey by email or at (651) 288-5523.
Contributions to CULAC or CUVOL are not tax-deductible for state or federal income tax purposes. Contributions are strictly voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. All participants have the right to contribute more or less than the suggested contribution amount. State and federal election laws require the Credit Union National Association and the Minnesota Credit Union Network to report the date and amount of contributions, name, address, occupation and employer for individuals who contribute more than $200 to CULAC or more than $20 to CUVOL in a calendar year.
Senate leaders address Twin Cities credit union representatives
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During a Twin Cities credit union chapter meeting on Jan. 10, Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) (second from the left) provided credit union professionals a preview of the upcoming legislative session. |
Minnesota credit union representatives received an insider's preview into the upcoming legislative session during an Archer Doig chapter meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 10, featuring Minnesota Senate leaders. Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley) provided credit union representatives insight into the challenges and opportunities that will face legislators during the 2012 session.
Sen. Senjem, who was recently elected as Senate Majority Leader, stated that he is uncertain about what this year's session will hold for legislators and the state as a whole. Despite the ambiguity of the upcoming session, he proclaimed with certainty that the legislature will preserve credit unions' tax-exempt status.
Sen. Senjem is a longtime credit union friend, having served as a volunteer and board member of Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union for 23 years. Since his election to the Minnesota Senate in 2002, Sen. Senjem has openly supported and fought for credit unions and the legislation important to them. Over the years, he has repeatedly declared his commitment to protecting credit unions' tax exempt status and their ability to meet members' needs.
Credit union representatives also received an update from Sen. Gerlach, who provided an overview of the Senate Commerce Committee's operations and processes. As the committee that examines the majority of the bills impacting credit unions, the overview of its operations strengthened attendees' understanding of how they can impact the legislative process.
"It is through long-standing relationships with legislators like Senator Senjem and Senator Gerlach that Minnesota credit unions are able to maintain our strong presence at the State Capitol,” said Mara Humphrey, Minnesota Credit Union Network Vice President – Governmental Affairs. "Our dedication to building and maintaining relationships with elected officials both during session and in the interim demonstrates our strong grassroots network and strengthens our ability to impact the legislative process.”
Tuesday's politically-focused chapter meeting was part of Minnesota's ongoing initiative to develop and maintain strong relationships with federal and state elected officials. On Jan. 5, credit union representatives also met with Congressman Keith Ellison (D-5th District) at Richfield Bloomington Credit Union in Bloomington. During the meeting, credit unions stressed the importance of passing legislation that would raise the member business lending cap.The meeting also focused on the increased regulatory burdens facing credit unions and how they impact operations.
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