May 14, 2024
Dear Credit Union Leaders,
MCUL GAC is here! As we enter May, here are the updates you need.
Announcements
Please keep an eye out for the next “Cheers! To Compliance!” session on June 28th. We have invited DIFS to talk about a variety of topics, including the new consumer compliance component in examinations that is being rolled out. For those interested, you can REGISTER HERE, and please contact Brad (Bradley.Willett@mcul.org) for more information.
Advocacy
In Lansing, the two newly elected members of the state House of Representatives have been sworn in, and the House Democrats’ 56-54 majority has been restored. Work on the FY 25 state budgets has been renewed in earnest, and both chambers have passed their versions of key spending measures. Funding for the Michigan Saves loan loss reserve was included by both chambers, but at slightly differing levels; the House included as one-time funding as has been done in past years, but the Senate approved the slightly lower amount in an ongoing capacity. We continue to closely monitor legislation purporting to reform Michigan’s garnishment and collections system, as our top defensive issue for this spring. All indications still point to the Senate holding hearings and possible Committee action before the summer break. Negotiations are continuing on various parts of the bills, but please continue to watch for a possible call to action in opposition of these measures. Legislation to require DIFS to study the payday lending industry in Michigan has been sent to the Governor, after several years and legislative sessions of work, and we continue to watch closely and educate lawmakers in the context of legislation to cap payday lending rates on their current product at 36% APR.
In Washington, D.C., America’s Credit Unions testified at the U.S. Senate Banking Committee’s hearing on fees in financial services, focusing on service- and community-focused mission, service to low-income members, and pushing back against the CFPB’s mischaracterization of so-called “junk fees” by explaining how credit union overdraft protection programs are highly regulated and clearly disclosed. America’s Credit Unions wrote to the Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee in conjunction with a hearing on data security, highlighting the need for a federal data security and privacy standard that also recognizes credit unions’ compliance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, preempts state laws, and protects credit unions against frivolous lawsuits. On interchange, MCUL and America’s Credit Unions are closely watching efforts around the National Defense Authorization Act and other upcoming must-pass legislation to ensure interchange-related amendments are not included.
submitted comments on the Reg II debit interchange proposal from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, which can be found HERE. For a full update on state and federal regulatory action, please see the “Reg Corner” update in this edition of MI League Minute.
Grassroots and Advocacy Funding
Thank you to everyone that joined us for the 2024 MCUL State GAC! We welcomed nearly 200 credit union advocates and industry partners for a highly successful day. Thanks as well to those that came in early to participate in our young professionals’ activities, MCUF, and the Chapter Leaders’ session! All of those fed into an equally successful evening at “PAC the Pub!”
Next up in Advocacy after AC&E is the 2024 ASFM Golf Outing on July 10! As with every year, this event benefits the Michele Myrick Scholarship Fund to assist credit union officials and volunteers in attending important events like Hike the Hill, America’s Credit Unions GAC, and next year’s MCUL GAC. We look forward to seeing you there, and please contact Kieran (Kieran.Marion@mcul.org) with any questions. Look for details in the coming week!
Elections
The stage is set for the August Primary Election. As per our normal practice during election cycles, a full list of endorsed state and federal candidates will continue to be included at the bottom of this update and will be updated onto our website.
As always, thank you for all that you do for Michigan’s credit unions!
Sincerely,
Patty Corkery and the MCUL Advocacy Team
2024 Election Endorsements:
U.S. Senate
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin
MCULAF is a state-registered political action committee that makes campaign contributions to candidates for elective office in Michigan. Contributions to MCULAF are not tax deductible. Contributions to MCULAF are completely voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse without any reprisal. Must be 18 years or age or older to participate. Must be a qualified employee (professional, supervisory, managerial and administrative non-clerical position) of the MCUL & Affiliates or a member or qualified employee of an affiliated Michigan credit union.
Contributions to MCULLAF are not considered charitable contributions or business expenses for income tax purposes. Contributions to MCULLAF are completely voluntary and will be used for political purposes. There shall be no reprisal for those who decide not to contribute. Must be a qualified member of a participating MCUL-affiliated credit union, U.S. citizen and 18-years of age or older to participate.
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