TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The League of Southeastern Credit Unions has recognized its Federal Lawmakers of the Year in three different states. All three lawmakers were recognized during CUNA’s GAC.
In Florida, the Federal Advocacy Policy Committee voted to nominate Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) as the 2021 Federal Lawmaker of the Year.
“As Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, Congressman Bilirakis introduced the Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act, which would significantly increase data security and protect credit unions and consumers from organized retail crime,” stated Patrick La Pine, CEO of LSCU & Affiliates. “We are incredibly grateful for the Congressman’s leadership to protect Florida’s financial institutions from cyber attacks as well as unnecessary regulatory burden.”
As LSCU fought the proposed IRS reporting requirement, Congressman Bilirakis remained adamantly opposed to the proposal from beginning to end, signing on to multiple letters publicly denouncing the legislation, the association added.
In Georgia, the Federal Advocacy Policy Committee voted to nominate Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) as the 2021 Federal Lawmaker of the Year.
Serving on the House Budget and Energy and Commerce committees, Rep. Carter has proven to be invaluable to not just credit unions in the First Congressional District, but across the state, as he consistently keeps credit unions at the front of mind when making decisions related to financial services, LSCU said.
“Congressman Carter has leveraged his position in the United States House of Representatives to advocate for credit unions and other small businesses. As LSCU fought the proposed IRS reporting requirement, Congressman Carter remained adamantly opposed to the proposal from beginning to end,” stated LaPine. “In addition to his support in Washington, Congressman Carter regularly meets with credit unions in district to learn more about ways in which he can support financial institutions.”
As a small business owner for more than 30 years, Congressman Carter understands the negative impact over-regulation can have on small businesses and credit unions. LSCU greatly appreciates the Congressman’s commitment to protecting Georgia consumers and credit unions, LSCU added.
In Alabama, the Federal Advocacy Policy Committee voted to nominate Congressman Jerry Carl (AL-01).
“Serving on the House Committee on Armed Services, Congressman Carl has prioritized supporting our active military members and veterans. In recognizing the unparalleled service and resources provided by credit unions, Congressman Carl has worked to preserve the ability for credit unions to operate on military bases,” said La Pin. “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Carl’s continued partnership and support of Alabama’s credit unions and their members.”
As LSCU fought the proposed IRS reporting requirement, Congressman Carl remained adamantly opposed to the proposal from beginning to end, signing on to multiple letters publicly denouncing the legislation, the association added.