WASHINGTON – People on the streets leading up to Capitol Hill or looking out office windows in the area will undoubtedly take a second look at what will first appear to be a line of giant ducks on the street. In reality, what they'll be seeing are 17 giant stuffed ducks – approximately 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and about a foot-and-a half high – being carried by a delegation of 50 representatives of Michigan credit unions on June 10 who are in town for the Michigan Credit Union League's Hike the Hill visit. In fact, the idea that it may look like a duck, “but this ain't no duck!” is the impetus behind the design of the stuffed ducks that will be personally delivered to each of the state's 15 members of Congress and two senators, along with a giant card signed by credit union representatives that reads: “This may look like a duck.But this ain't no duck! There are those who would like you to believe that this is a duck. In fact, this soft, huggable stuffed animal is no duck at all. It doesn't make noise like a duck; it doesn't make messes for other to clean like a duck; it doesn't bite the hand that feeds it like a duck; it doesn't care only about its own well-being and desires – like a duck. This seemingly close replica of a duck has all the great attributes of a duck, without being a duck. And even though this looks like a very big duck, the duck population will never really be threatened by this harmless look-a-like. If you take this duck on as your own you will find that is a tried and true friend who will always be there for you. We hope though that you or someone with whom you entrust this pet will appreciate the pleasant and worthwhile qualities of this new friend. We hope it makes somebody smile. With warmest regards and thanks for your continued support. The credit unions of Michigan.” Michigan Credit Union League President/CEO Dave Adams said the idea for the giant stuffed duck came from a big Afflac duck that was donated as a prize at the silent auction that was recently held at the League's annual convention. The thinking was, said Adams, that “banks want legislators to think credit unions are like banks, but CUs are really warm and cuddly.” He added that, “Bankers are so proud of their saying that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then credit unions must be a duck, in their push to get credit unions taxed. In reality of course that's not the case. This is our way of saying that just because it looks like a duck, it's not necessarily a duck. We decided to play off of the bankers' rhetoric and have some fun. We want to make an impression when we go to Capitol Hill and be remembered.” Adams said credit unions met with several of the state's federal legislators when they were in their home districts and many of the elected officials said they supported CUs' tax exempt status. For example, Reps. Dave Campe (R) and Sander Levin (D) – both of whom are members of the House Ways & Means Committee – each issued statements in support of the tax exemption. Reps. Peter Hoekstra (R) and Dale Kildee (D) also issued statements of support. “Our lawmakers are lining up in support of our tax exemption,” says Adams. “If anything, the bankers' attacks on credit unions are making lawmakers more resolved to shore up support behind credit unions.” -

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