Legislative Update with Chesney

Congress may be on break, but DakCU is still hard at work. Don’t miss Stack the PAC, Silent Auction, and SD Par for the PAC. 

Senate Majority Leader Thune, DakCU's Chesney Garnos, and Staff Ben Ready

by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs

Congress Back in Districts
While Congress is out on recess for another week, advocacy work hasn’t slowed down. Our team at DakCU, along with various other leagues across the nation continue to engage with lawmakers both in their home districts and in D.C. to champion credit union priorities and advocate for strong, independent, bipartisan regulatory oversight, especially when it comes to the message on “don’t tax my credit union.”
 
Last week, I had the chance to join Senator John Thune for lunch with the 2024 and 2025 classes of Sioux Falls.Business by MarketBeat’s 30 Under 30. This discussion covered a wide range of topics—from tariffs and tax reform to AI, childcare, and even DOGE. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from Senator Thune in his new role as Senate Majority Leader and to highlight how these issues intersect with our work in the credit union movement.​

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​Yesterday, America’s Credit Unions held an industry update webinar. President/CEO Jim Nussle shared the latest details on recent changes to the NCUA Board, the tax landscape, and our evolving advocacy strategies. One key item that came from this meeting was updates regarding the NCUA. You can find key answers to FAQs here. As more develops, we will continue to keep you all updated.

Background on the NCUA Board
On April 17, President Donald Trump terminated the positions of two of the three NCUA Board Members—Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka. This leaves just one Board Member, Kyle Hauptman, in place.
 
Despite concerns about how the agency can operate with a single Board Member, the NCUA has confirmed that it has the authority and precedent to function in this situation. During the Bush Administration, Chairman Dennis Dollar served as the sole Board Member for over a year and was able to take both administrative and operational actions.
 
The NCUA maintains that a single Board Member constitutes a quorum when the other seats are vacant. Chairman Hauptman now has full authority to carry out agency operations, oversee the credit union system, and implement the Administration’s regulatory priorities.
 
The agency has assured the industry that it remains fully operational and focused on ensuring the safety and soundness of credit unions. Additionally, we issued this message to all CEOs and members in the Dakota’s last week: Important NCUA Update.
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​Advocacy at This Year’s Summit – Get Involved!
Did you know there are several ways to get involved in our advocacy efforts during this year’s Summit in Fargo? If not—good news! We’re excited to offer plenty of opportunities for you and your credit union to take part.
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First up, don’t miss our Stack the PAC recognition event on the first night of Summit. This special celebration honors everyone who has contributed to our state and federal PACs in North and South Dakota. Whether you’ve participated through payroll deduction, a direct contribution, or entered our sweepstakes at the CU Advocate level ($24 annually), we want to thank you in person! And if you haven’t contributed yet this year, no worries—you can still join us by donating $24 at the door. Your donation includes entry to the event plus complimentary snacks and drinks!
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And yes—the Silent Auction is back!
Help support the Roger Heacock Scholarship Fund by contributing to or bidding in the auction. All proceeds help provide scholarships to Dakota credit union professionals to attend the national Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., and our “Hike the Hill” event in the fall. Need inspiration on what to donate? You can check out what’s already available HERE.
 
SPOTS ARE ALMOST GONE! Register Today for the 2025 South Dakota Credit Union Advocacy Golf Classic – Par for the PAC!
The 2025 South Dakota Credit Union Advocacy Golf Classic – Par for the PAC, is back by popular demand! This year, we are taking things back east of the river. Join us (the South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee) on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in Garretson, SD for our annual event—an exclusive opportunity to support credit union advocacy while enjoying a day on the course with fellow leaders and local legislators.
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Location: River Ridge Golf Course
25412 485th Ave, Garretson, SD 57030
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 Schedule (CST):
• 9:00 a.m. – Registration
• 10:00 a.m. – Shotgun Start
• 2:00 p.m. – Social with live music, food & drinks
• 2:30 p.m. – Golf Awards & Legislator Recognition
 
Why Attend?
Par for the PAC isn’t just about golf—it’s about impact. Your participation supports scholarships for credit union professionals to attend critical advocacy and government-focused events. Plus, it’s your chance to connect directly with the decision-makers shaping our industry in our great state!
 
Where to Stay
We’re excited to offer a hotel block at the brand-new Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls! Call 605-275-4120 and reference Dakota Credit Union Group or use this reservation link to book your room.

Register Here – You don’t want to miss it!
Let’s make this year’s Par for the PAC another hole-in-one for advocacy!

​For any questions following the legislative session or other advocacy-related queries, please don't hesitate to reach me at [email protected].

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