TOPEKA, Kan.–The Heartland CU Association hosted its largest-ever Kansas Day at the Capital here with more than 200 credit union presidents, employees and volunteers in attendance.
The day began with HCUA Advocacy staff briefing credit union advocates on issues impacting credit unions, sharing tips for talking with legislators and the agenda for the day. Credit unions heard a panel discussion with Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine (R-Emporia), House Judiciary Chairman Blaine Finch (R-Ottawa), Senate Financial Institutions Ranking Minority Lynn Rogers (D-Wichita) and House Assistant Minority Leader Stan Frownfelter (D-Kansas City). All four legislators had a credit union connection to share. For Rep. Frownfelter, it’s a family matter. His cousin, Jim Frownfelter, who attended the event, is chairman of Azura Credit Union’s board of directors.
Legislative visits were scheduled throughout the afternoon, as well as a Q&A in the House Chamber with all three members of House leadership: Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe), House Majority Leader Don Hineman (R-Dighton) and Speaker Pro Tem Scott Schwab (R-Olathe). Credit union advocates had the opportunity to sit in legislators’ floor seats during the Q&A, a privilege not typically extended while the legislature is in session.
Discussions with legislators focused on the not-for-profit cooperative structure of credit unions, concern about the growing impact of data breaches, and garnering support for Senate Bill 292 – which modernizes the portion of the State Credit Union Act pertaining to membership policies.
Kansas Day at the Capitol happened to coincide with the swearing in of Kansas’ new Governor. Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer (R) was sworn in as the 47th Governor of Kansas following the resignation of Sam Brownback, who was recently appointed by President Trump as United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Credit unions had the opportunity to watch this unique ceremony.
A legislative reception capped the advocacy-packed day, with more than 70 legislators stopping by to visit with their credit union constituents.
“As our numbers for this event grow, so does our influence at the Statehouse,” said Stephanie Mullholland, director of Kansas legislative & political affairs for Heartland Credit Union Association. “When 210 professionals show up in Topeka, speaking with one voice about the real-life impact they have on people’s lives and the state’s economy – that’s when lawmakers see firsthand how much Kansans value their credit unions.”
At right, representatives from Mainstreet Credit Union and Frontier Community Credit Union with Sen. Julia Lynn (R-Olathe).