Legislative Update with Chesney

​Dakota credit union professionals attend SDGOP Clay Shootout and SD Governor’s Hunt; and be sure your voices are represented at the polls next week. 

​by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs
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Guns Loaded for Advocacy
South Dakota credit union members were out in full force last week! A few of us had the opportunity to attend the SDGOP Clay Shootout near Humboldt, joining U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, Lt. Governor Rhoden, Senate Leader Crabtree, and other legislative leaders and candidates from across South Dakota. It was a wonderful event filled with advocacy discussions and clay pigeon shooting! Thank you, Black Hills FCU, Levo FCU, and Voyage FCU for taking time out of your busy schedule to represent our South Dakota credit union members and the association with me.

That was not the only advocacy event our credit union leaders loaded up their guns for. Travis Kasten from Service First FCU and Joey Rotert from Black Hills Federal Credit Union were also invited to the prestigious Annual South Dakota Governor’s Hunt. This event gave them an invaluable opportunity to connect with key state and federal officials while enjoying a day of pheasant hunting, capped with an evening reception in Sioux Falls. 

GOTV Next Tuesday!
Election Day is fast approaching on November 5th, and it’s time to make sure our credit union voices are represented at the polls! Hopefully, you’re already registered to vote in South Dakota, as the deadline was
October 21, 2024.

On Election Day, South Dakota polling locations are open from 7 am to 7 pm. Bring a valid ID, check your voter acknowledgement notice, or visit the Voter Information Portal to locate your polling station.

Before heading to the polls, take a moment to review your ballot, including South Dakota’s 2024 Ballot Initiatives, so you can make informed choices. Remember, if you're uncertain about a candidate or issue, leaving a space blank won’t invalidate your ballot. Let’s make each vote count!

South Dakota’s Credit Union Legislative Day
With the 2025 legislative session just around the corner, we’re gearing up for our annual South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day on January 15, 2025, at Red Rossa in Pierre. This day is packed with advocacy opportunities, including our popular Legislative Social, and is expected to draw more than 70 South Dakota legislators. Strong credit union representation is essential, so please consider joining us for this key event! Contact me or visit our event page for more details.
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America’s Credit Unions Town Hall
Finally, you can join the America’s Credit Unions Town Halls for essential updates on our 2025 advocacy priorities, upcoming legislative actions, and valuable membership benefits. Here are the sessions:

• Town Hall: All Credit Unions
  October 30, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm ET
• Town Hall: Small Credit Unions – Under $250 million in assets
  October 31, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm ET

Wishing you a spooktacular week ahead – don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy questions.