SALEM, Ore.--Oregon credit unions and the GoWest Credit Union Association said they “continued a proud tradition of bringing a deep bench of advocates” to the state capitol to message legislators about how the not-for-profit, cooperatives are serving 2.3 million of their constituents.
“Even as the legislature is moving fast through its state-mandated, 35-day ‘short session,’ the turnout for the legislative lunch was robust and enthusiastic,” the association said. It was a celebration of a grassroots advocacy model founded in Oregon more than 20 years ago, and now modeled in other states where associations bring large groups of advocates to state capitals.”
An Advocacy Legacy Continues
“Thanks to our member credit unions’ engagement in advocacy, we’ve been successful modernizing the Oregon Credit Union Act nearly every two years, have staved off tax threats and other potentially harmful legislation, and passed bills that benefit consumers,” said Pam Leavitt, SVP-regional grassroots and political programs/legislative affairs for Oregon.
“A shining example of legislation benefiting Oregonians was SB3, the GoWest-backed financial education bill passed last year,” the association said. “The bill makes financial education a high school graduation requirement and goes beyond most basic financial education programs by teaching both financial life skills, such as applying for jobs and post-secondary education, and personal budgeting skills.”
During their legislative luncheon, the GoWest association said it and Oregon credit unions thanked their legislative champions, Senate President Rob Wagner and Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp for their bipartisan sponsorship, and leadership in helping to pass the bill.
“Thank you for advocating for financial education,” Knopp said when he accepted his community impact award. “There is nothing more important than for people to know how money works.”
Wagner accepted his community impact award and presented the Oregon Credit Union Movement with a special surprise of his own – an official copy of SB 3 with Governor Tina Kotek’s signature on it and affixed with a legislative seal.
“This would not have happened without your advocacy,” Wagner said.
A Deeper Advocacy Bench
GoWest said it has encouraged credit unions to engage a deeper bench of grassroots advocates, and they’re all in. While many advocates who joined GoWest in Salem last week have attended the annual in-person event at the capital every year, a high number of first-timers were in attendance, the association added.
“We are seeing an expanded advocacy voice within the movement that we are delighted with,” said GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang. “Coming from the front lines, these advocates can bring the credit union story to life in ways that resonate with legislators.”
Annie Spencer, VP of finance at Providence Credit Union, represented one of those new voices.
“It was eye-opening to see how many people advocate for the credit union movement,” Spencer said.” Having the opportunity to sit in a hearing and witness another credit union advocate speak about Individual Development Accounts allowed me to see how advocating by our peers is listened to and heard by our elected officials.”
This year, nearly 450 credit union advocates have joined GoWest at Day at the Capitol events in Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Events are planned this month for Wyoming and Colorado advocates.