ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA announced last week that it will be holding its fourth annual Budget Briefing and Public Forum Tuesday Oct. 12. NCUA Executive Director Len Skiles will brief the audience of the proposed budget for 2005 and invite public comment. "The NCUA maintains its steadfast commitment to transparency as we prepare and develop the agency's 2005 budget," NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson said. "We value the input from those we regulate and insure, as NCUA's budget has an impact on credit unions. Looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2005, we once again welcome the opportunity to share NCUA's budget plans and hear from our stakeholders. I believe it is vital for NCUA's stakeholders to have an open, complete view of the proposed budget." Parties interested in testifying during the briefing should contact Secretary to the Board Mary Rupp through Oct. 7. Registered participants will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. Due to time constraints, NCUA reserves the right to choose witnesses, but will attempt to accommodate everyone. Written comments may also be submitted before Nov. 12 for consideration. [email protected]