All Leagues Doing What's Necessary to Get CURIA Passed

We appreciate Mike Welch’s recognition of the role that California and Nevada credit unions play in political advocacy, including securing support for CURIA, the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (“All States Need to Garner Congressional Support,” Aug. 4). We’re proud of the work our advocacy team, and credit union leaders in both our states, have done in winning public commitments from so many members of our congressional delegations. We’re also proud of the work that league and other credit union leaders have done, and continue to do, throughout the country in moving CURIA through the legislative process. But Mike misjudges and understates the amount of work state leagues are doing on behalf of credit unions by counting the number of CURIA co-sponsors each state has. Some states are lobbying their members of Congress on behalf of regulatory reform for credit unions while deferring requests for public commitment at this time. There are other factors to consider – such as the bankers’ ongoing attacks in this election year – and each league needs to follow the strategy that best suits its local and state situation. In fact, some other states have a greater percentage of their representatives as co-sponsors of CURIA than we do, and it is not accurate to suggest that state leagues aren’t doing their job if they don’t have at least one CURIA co-sponsor. It’s more important to know that credit union leaders across America are having conversations with legislators on a variety of pressing issues. Leagues are working hard, making progress, and getting our message across. David L. Chatfield President and CEO California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.