​The Minnesota legislative session is at its halfway mark and last week was another busy week in Saint Paul that included the movement of a number of bills of interest to credit unions.

Last week was the first legislative deadline when bills must be passed committee to continue to move through the process, which meant a lot of committee activity. 

Legislative activity at the Minnesota Legislature continues at a fast pace with major policy proposals moving through the process. 

Next week credit union professionals and board members will attend CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington D.C. to highlight the meaningful work credit unions are doing to improve the financial well-being of their members and communities. The tentative schedule includes: 

​Meetings with Senators Klobuchar and Smith: We will meet with Senator Klobuchar at noon followed by Senator Smith at 12:15 on Tuesday, February 28 in 512 Hart Senate Office Building. 

Hill Visits: The Minnesota Credit Union Network will be scheduling hill visits on Wednesday, March 1. 

Network Issues Briefing & Luncheon: Connect with Minnesota attendees and hear from special guest speakers in room 103 of the Washington Convention Center on Wednesday, March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Hospitality Suite: A hospitality suite offering refreshments and networking opportunities will be available at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in room 2-054 for Minnesota GAC attendees from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., February 26-28.

Chuck Albrecht Retirement Toast: Chuck Albrecht is retiring after 20 years at Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union and we’d like to invite you to a toast to celebrate his years in the credit union industry. We’ll be toasting him at 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 26th in the Network’s hospitality suite in room 2-054 at the Marriott Marquis so please join us to lift a glass in his honor!

​Women's Leadership Network Gathering: in the Hospitality Suite from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 26th.

Attendees can access a link to today's pre-event on MnCUN's GAC page and are encouraged to download the MnCUN app for access to talking points, schedules and to be notified immediately of schedule changes.

Follow along on MnCUN’s social channels and via #CUNAGAC.

Paid Family Leave proposals are working their way through the legislature.

U.S. House Passed Credit Union Board Modernization Act: On Monday night, the US House of Representatives passed the Credit Union Board Modernization Act to update the Federal Credit Union Act.
Bill to Regulate Payday Lending Approved by State House Committee: Last week, the state House Commerce committee heard and passed a bill, H.F. 290, to cap interest rates on short-term, high-interest loans, often referred to as payday loans. 
Commerce Commissioner Confirmed by the Minnesota Senate Committee: Last week, Grace Arnold was confirmed by a Senate committee to serve as the Commissioner of the Commerce Department.

Last week, over 100 credit union professionals and board members from across the state gathered in-person at the Minnesota State Capitol for IMPACT 23: CU Day at the Capitol. ​This important advocacy event forms the foundation for a positive working relationship with legislators throughout the Legislative Session. 

​Speakers for the morning session included:

•  State Senator Jordon Rasmussen met with the CREW Young Professionals,
•  State Representative Kaohly Her spoke to the Grassroot Coordinators,
• Former State Representative Jim Davnie joined MnCUN Director of Governmental Affairs Ryan Smith for the session, "Legislators are People, too," and
• House Speaker Melissa Hortman, House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, and Assistant Minority Leader Zach Duckworth addressed the general session.

In the afternoon, credit union staff and board members met with legislators to discuss legislative priorities and credit unions role in promoting financial well-being and investing in local communities.