See the different you can make
Political Action Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: Why
do I need to be involved in Political Action?
A:
With or without credit
union involvement, there will be elections. Those elected will determine
the fate of the credit union movement. Either we are involved in the
process and shape the outcome, or we will let bankers and other interests
do it for us.
Q: What does
political action do for my credit union?
A: Political action works to defeat adverse legislation while supporting
pro-active initiatives that protect our cooperative structure and address
problems facing credit unions and their members. One example of a
pro-active initiative is House Bill 81, the Credit Union Member Service
Powers Bill, which was signed into law by Ohio Governor Bob Taft on Jan.
10, 2006, -- the
first time in 18 years that the Ohio Credit Union Act has been updated.
The includes provisions that
benefit state and federal-chartered credit union, such as allowing
guardianship accounts, probate accounts, and exemptions from the Consumer
Sales Practices Act and the Retail Installment Sales Act. House Bill 81
includes additional provisions further benefiting state-chartered credit
unions. View a complete list of House
Bill 81 provisions.
Q: Does my
contribution to the PAC really make a difference?
A: Consider it an investment in your credit union’s future.
Your PAC
dollars support legislators who support credit unions and legislation
affecting credit unions.
Q: How is my money
spent?
A: Your contribution
supports candidates who:
|
• |
Show a
commitment to understanding credit unions and the
challenges facing them |
|
• |
Have a proven
voting record and position on issues impacting credit
unions |
|
• |
Have a committee
assignment or leadership role |
Q: Why can’t credit
unions just stay out of the political arena?
A: Whether you like it or
not, you are involved in politics. State government makes decisions every
day that could potentially affect the way credit unions do business.
Q: How much should I
contribute?
A: There are
four suggested contribution levels:
CEO - $260
Supervisor- $78
Board Member - $52
Employee -
$26
Q: Can the credit
union make this contribution for me?
A:
No. Campaign finance law requires contributions to political action committees
be personal and voluntary. Corporate contributions can’t be accepted.
