Legislative Update with Chesney

​Your support makes all the difference in our advocacy efforts, ensuring a fair and informed legislative and regulatory environment. 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Why Support Dakota Credit Union Association's Advocacy Efforts?
​First and foremost, the Dakota Credit Union Association serves as an advocacy organization. Supporting its advocacy efforts is critical for representing credit union members and the cooperative financial system in the political landscape. Such support influences the perspectives of lawmakers and leaders who make decisions affecting our credit unions and members.

Credit unions are fundamental to our local economies, providing services that prioritize the well-being of our community and members. Your backing helps maintain a legislative environment that fosters the development and service of credit unions in the Dakotas and nationwide. The association's role is to represent your interests by advocating for policies beneficial to credit unions, cultivating effective government relationships, and offering opportunities for you to engage with political leaders in both North and South Dakota.

How to Support Dakota Credit Union Association's Advocacy Efforts?
Engaging in our advocacy is easy and impactful! You may participate in advocacy events across the Dakotas and in Washington, D.C. We will also be offering our first-ever exclusive credit union golf outing this summer called “Par for the PAC!” This will be your opportunity to meet with local legislators and officials who make policy decisions affecting our industry on July 18th in Lead, SD. This half-day golf event also provides crucial scholarship funds for credit union professionals to attend important advocacy and government-focused events! ​Register and learn more about for the event here.

Another way to contribute is by donating as little as $1 from each paycheck to our Political Action Committee (PAC). Please contact me to learn more or to arrange your contribution.
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Advocacy in Action!
Last week, Jay Kruse, CEO of Norstar FCU, and I had the opportunity to put our advocacy efforts into action. We attended a Farm Bill Listening Session hosted by Senator John Thune (SD) and Senator John Boozman (AR). The session was moderated by the well-known ag reporter, Michelle Rook. This was a great opportunity for our association to engage in conversations related to the Farm Bill and share the important role credit unions play in our farming and ranching communities!

Looking for other ways to support our advocacy efforts?
Our South Dakota State PAC proudly backs Jason Green, a Black Hills FCU board member, for District 34, with a $500 contribution for his primary campaign. To make a personal donation or to share with others who wish to support Jason, please visit greenforsd.com.

Additionally, here is a list of upcoming advocacy events you can attend in the coming months!

May

• May 14th - Stack the PAC social in Larchwood, IA at Grand Falls Casino, just outside of Sioux Falls.

July

• July 18th - Par for the PAC SD CU Advocacy Golf Classic in Lead/Deadwood at Lead Country Club.

 
September

• September 9th -12th - Fall Hike the Hill in Washington, DC.
• September 19th – Pints & Politics event in Webster at The Gallery Bar and Grill. 

 
October

• October 3rd – Pints & Politics Event in Rapid City, location TBD.
• October 9th - Pints & Politics Event Pierre, luncheon at Oahe FCU.  
• October 15th - Pints & Politics Event in Huron, location TBD.
• October 16 - Pints & Politics Event in Yankton at Ben’s Brewing Co.
• October 17th - Pints & Politics Event in Sioux Falls at JJ's Bar.

​I hope to see you at one of these upcoming advocacy events!