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Advocacy Roundup

Stay connected with the latest developments both in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Delve into insightful analysis, stay informed about policy changes, and gain a nuanced understanding of the political landscape and how it affects credit unions. Our curated content aims to provide you with a comprehensive view, allowing you to navigate the dynamic realms of local and national affairs.

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October 21, 2025

10/21/2025

Dear Credit Union Leaders,

Our Tigers finished strong, and the Lions are looking great! As we head into our in-state Rivalry Weekend, here are the updates you need.

Advocacy

In Lansing, the budget has been completed and matters have quieted down significantly. While minor bills have moved, the legislature has reverted back to somewhat of a stalemate. House Republican leadership has publicly stated they want to see movement on a package of bills dealing with ethics and transparency that were sent over to the Senate earlier in the year, and may use the leverage they have to push those. There is growing talk about a possible supplemental appropriations bill as the final details of what passed earlier this month are worked through. As mentioned previously, on the policy front, our team now pivots to beginning the process of targeted MCUA updates and monitoring for signs of state-level interchange legislation (see MCUL President & CEO Patty Corkery’s Detroit News op-ed at Corkery: Attacking 'swipe fees' puts Michigan families at risk). 

In Washington D.C., the focus is also on budget with no end to the government shutdown practically in sight. The U.S. Senate has held 11 failed votes as of Monday, and will push a measure to pay federal employees and military service members this week. The U.S. House is in recess during negotiations, but will likely be called back if the payment measure can clear the U.S. Senate. Both America’s Credit Unions (ACU) and MCUL are looking for examples of how our credit unions are helping affected members and families! ACU has also set up a Government Shutdown Assistance | America's Credit Unions website to share resources, along with a survey for credit unions to describe what they are doing in their communities.

Also federally, the following priorities are noteworthy:

The U.S. House passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act in September, clean of hostile amendments on interchange efforts. The U.S. Senate has now also passed its version of the bill, and the measures will head to Conference Committee. The Senate version includes two amendments championed by credit unions, to provide enhancements to the NCUA’s Central Liquidity Facility (CLF) and to enhance support and transparency for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The measure did not include any negative provisions related to interchange. MCUL, America’s Credit Unions, and the state Leagues oppose efforts to include harmful interchange amendments to the NDAA, and support efforts to add beneficial provisions that will help credit unions and their members.

In case you missed it, H.R. 2808, the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act dealing with mortgage trigger leads, was signed into law last Friday. The bill prohibits a credit reporting agency from providing a consumer's credit report to a third party in connection with a residential mortgage transaction unless the transaction consists of a firm offer of credit or insurance and either the third party provides documentation certifying that it has the consumer's consent; or the third party has originated a mortgage on behalf of the consumer, is a current mortgage loan servicer to the consumer, or has a current specified banking relationship with the consumer (ie. is their bank or credit union). It will become effective next March. MCUL, America’s Credit Unions, and the state Leagues supported the bill.

Grassroots and Advocacy Funding

Thank you to all of our young professionals and advocacy mentors that have registered for “hYPe the Hill” in Lansing on Nov. 5. We are excited to see all of our advocates here in the State Capitol!

In the coming weeks, please be on the look out for information on the 2026 Lapel Pin program, also to benefit our state PAC. We are excited about the coming year’s design, and we are looking forward to another successful campaign as we enter another critical election year in Michigan.  Also, for those credit unions without current permission agreements for our federal fund, MCULLAF, or whose agreements are about to expire, we will be sending out renewals in early November.  As a reminder, signing the permission agreement is NOT an agreement to participate in any programs, nor will we directly solicit your membership to participate.  It is simply a regulatory requirement for communication with YOU about our PAC.    

Elections

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers still remains the only formally announced candidate for the Republican nod for U.S. Senate next year. There have been no recent additions into the Democrat’s primary race for the U.S. Senate seat, with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens as the announced candidates in that field. 

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have all announced they will seek the Democrat nomination for Governor next year, along with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan seeking the office as an Independent. Announced candidates for the Republican nomination include former Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. John James, state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former state House Speaker Tom Leonard and Rev. Ralph Rebandt. 

As always, thank you for all that you do for Michigan’s credit unions! 



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