I was reading through editorials by my predecessors as I was preparing to write this week's column, looking for inspiration. There were a couple things that struck me. One, I realized that I'm only the third person to write this column and follow some substantial size 15s.

The second thing that struck me was that so many issues in credit unions remain the same. Expanding member business lending, attacks from the banks, industry consolidation, regulatory burden…the list goes on.

Credit unions yet again were unable to push legislation to expand member business lending through Congress last year. This year will be the eighth year legislation to expand credit union business lending authorities has been introduced, assuming legislation is introduced. The cause is a worthy one and will be high on credit union trade groups' radar this year. The bill will have to find another patron saint as Paul Kanjorski is no longer serving in Congress, but Ed Royce is a likely candidate given his previous support and credit union ties. At this point, lobbyists are hopeful to have member business lending legislation reintroduced but no guarantees.