CUNA's Project Zip Code is a powerful advocacy tools that allows the Minnesota Credit Union Network to share with individual legislators how many credit union members are in their districts.

Hike the Hill returns in-person to connect credit union representatives with federal legislators and talk about top credit union issues in Washington, D.C. During Hike the Hill visits, credit union professionals and board members meet with the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation and typically visit the Board members of the National Credit Union Administration.

​​​Meetings will be scheduled on various days during the week of September 19th to allow for maximum flexibility for members of Congress to able to attend. Once meetings have been scheduled, attendees will receive a calendar invitation from Network staff with the exact date and time.

With questions about Hike the Hill, contact MnCUN Director of Governmental Affairs Ryan Smith by email or at 651-288-5533.

The Minnesota legislature adjourned Sunday without passing legislation to enact the agreement between Governor Walz and leaders in the House and Senate that would address the State's budget surplus. The proposed agreement would split the budget surplus into thirds with $4 billion for tax breaks, $4 billion for new spending, and $4 billion left on the bottom line in the event of economic disruptions. 

​As we approach the end of the Minnesota legislative session, MnCUN would like to invite you to join us for our annual session wrap-up webinar. Network staff will offer an update on session priorities, as well as an overview of the big picture items. Webinar details available by logging into the Member Portal.

​Last week we published an article on legislation that provides pay for frontline workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, we were not certain whether the frontline pay would apply to credit union employees. We’ve learned that credit union employees will not be eligible. During a MN Chamber of Commerce webinar on Monday, DoL staff clarified that the “banking industry is not an eligible frontline sector under the law.”

​Please contact MnCUN General Counsel, Tim Tacheny, with any questions. 

​At its April meeting, MnCUN’s Political Involvement Committee (PIC) voted to endorse the re-election campaign of Congressman Tom Emmer.

​“Since his election to Congress in 2014, Representative Emmer has been one of the strongest champions for credit unions in Washington DC,” said MnCUN Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Mara Humphrey. “From introducing and passing legislation that updates the federal credit union charter to prioritize the safety of credit union staff, to taking lead on pushing back on the misguided idea forcing credit unions to share account information to the IRS, Congressman Emmer has proven his support over and over again. Minnesota Credit Unions fully endorse his re-election.”

Since first being elected, Congressman Emmer has:

• Passed and been the lead co-sponsor of the Credit Union Governance Modernization Act
• Organized two House GOP letters opposing IRS reporting proposal
• Co-sponsored and voted in favor of SAFE Banking Act
• Voted in favor of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.
• Introduced the Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act
• Co-sponsored Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief Act
• Signed on to the Guinta-Hinojosa letter encouraging the NCUA to move lower risk credit unions to an 18-month examination cycle
• Signed on to the Tipton-Murphy letter to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in reference to changes they are poised to make regarding credit losses for financial institutions

In addition to the endorsement vote, PIC also received a federal election update from CUNA staff, heard from Network staff on the latest at the state Capitol and heard an update on where the Network’s PAC fundraising and advocacy engagement efforts stand. 

U.S. Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Debit Interchange: Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing entitled, “Excessive Swipe Fees and Barriers to Competition in the Credit and Debit Card Systems.” 

​MnCUN Testifies in Opposition of Bill Studying Banks Selling to Credit Unions: Last week, the House Commerce committee held an informational hearing on the community bankers’ bill to create a study group to look at the “issue” of banks selling assets to credit unions.

2022 is an important election year with the entire Minnesota Legislature and Governor all on the ballot with new district boundaries formed after the 2020 census. 

​As a reminder, PZC is a user friendly, secure computer program that counts your members and matches them by congressional district, state legislative district and county. These counts are then uploaded to CUNA's Project Zip Code website and combined with data from other credit unions nationwide. There are no personally identifiable data points that are required and the PZC site is secure.

These numbers are important in advocating on behalf of credit unions at the State Capitol because they share exactly how many members are in their districts, helping to demonstrate the power and reach of credit unions. It is a valuable tool used regularly, as a part of in-person meetings, as well as in communications and targeted digital advertisements.

You can access the PZC website, including the instructions on how to upload your information, visiting pzconline.com.

​With questions, contact Ryan Smith, Director of Government Affairs at rsmith@mncun.org.