Virtual Hike the Hill Held Sept. 20-25

​​Last week, as part of the Network’s annual Hike the Hill, credit union staff and volunteers from across the state met virtually with all of the Minnesota members of the US House and Senate to discuss issues of importance to the credit union industry.

​Typically an in-person event, Hike the Hill was held virtually because of the pandemic and the logistical challenges of meeting at the Capitol, currently still under a strict security regiments. However, the effectiveness of the virtual meetings was not diminished and credit union advocates were able to share their stories with legislators and their staff.

“Hike the Hill is always a hugely important part of the Network’s federal legislative advocacy,” MnCUN’s Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Mara Humphrey said. “Meeting with elected officials and their staff to share the effects of policy decisions have on credit union members is incredibly impactful and really helps to personalize the issues. We had a number of great meetings and were able to really leverage our discussions into concrete policy asks that will hopefully continue to help credit unions help their members and communities.”

Issues that credit unions talked about with their Representatives and Senators included:

• Advocating against a proposal that would require credit unions to report gross inflows and outflows of cash of $600 to the IRS to help their efforts to crack down on people trying to mask their income for tax purposes.
• Strongly supporting the Credit Union Employee and Member Safety Act and thanking Rep. Tom Emmer Sen. Tina Smith for introducing it.
• Encouraging legislators to support the Expanding Financial Access for Underserved Communities Act, which is expected to be introduced soon.