HARAHAN, La. – As president/CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League, Anne Cochran has spent her quota of time telling the credit union story in Washington as well as in the state legislature. She hopes this year at CUNA's GAC credit unions themselves will be able to share the many stories of how they helped members after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Overall, Cochran feels credit unions have gained significant lobbying savvy since they won passage of the landmark HR 1151 bill in 1998. Although she can't say growth in Louisiana credit union membership and assets is directly due to 1151, she figures it deserves at least some credit for the fact membership has jumped from approximately 1 million to 1.5 million and assets from perhaps $3.5 billion to more than $5 billion. "In Louisiana we've made great progress as far as educating lawmakers, both state and Congressional, about credit unions. It's been ongoing, and is probably better than it's ever been," Cochran declares. "We have worked with credit unions, both staff and volunteers, since 1151. We're comfortable they relate well to our delegations, particularly at the state level. It's a joy to watch them. They do very, very well." She's especially pleased with the response from credit unions when the league informs them of a fundraiser for a politician. Credit unions are very willing to participate, she says. The result is lawmakers know who credit unions are, Cochran continues. They know who to contact when questions arise. For example, she remembers a call from Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) on bankruptcy legislation and what it would mean to single mothers. Even with all those positive signs, Cochran says its important to remain vigilant and keep the credit union message in front of elected officials. "Banks are on the Hill more often than we'd like them to be, spreading a lot of rhetoric. That can put us in a defensive posture so we're always responding," Cochran says. Are members of Congress aware of how many ways credit unions reached out to help hurricane victims? "I don't know that we've done a good job of telling that story yet," Cochran replies. "Credit unions, and us at the league with them, have been focused on a recovery period and getting operational. We have some credit unions that are just returning to their facilities. That has been a huge job in itself. "When we go to the GAC and go on the Hill we'll make the introductions and all that, but then we will stand back and let our credit unions tell their stories to their delegations." Another item high on the agenda is educating lawmakers about regulatory relief, and explaining why credit unions should not face CRA mandates. -

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