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As the only national trade association focusing exclusively on federal issues affecting federally-insured credit unions, NAFCU has launched a new resource page to provide credit unions with a one-stop-shop for advocacy needs. Developed by NAFCU's team of experts, these resources help credit unions understand the legislative and regulatory environment and are great to print off and leave with offices during Capitol Hill visits.

Among the issues covered:

• The Credit Union Difference: As banks and others propagate misleading claims about the credit union industry and its tax-exempt status in an attempt to stifle competition, NAFCU sets the record straight on credit unions' commitment to diversity, their members and communities, and more.
• Data Security and Privacy: NAFCU for years has led the charge for a national data security standard to ensure negligent companies are held accountable for data breaches. The association also recently released Principles for a Federal Data Privacy Standard outlining the need for a comprehensive federal data privacy standard to protect consumers and reduce credit unions' regulatory burden of having to comply with a patchwork of state laws.
• Fintech: To ensure a level playing field with tech companies entering the financial services market, NAFCU has a white paper to chart a path towards regulatory coordination between traditional financial institutions and fintech companies.
• Housing Finance Reform: NAFCU knows how critical credit unions' access to the secondary mortgage market is. As the administration, Congress, and regulators move forward on housing finance reform, the association continues to meet with decision makers and share its principles for housing finance reform to ensure credit unions' needs are addressed in any final solution.
• Marijuana Banking: While NAFCU has not and will not take a position on the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, the association understands the need for regulatory clarity for credit unions that would like to provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses in states that have legalized the drug. An issue brief is updated frequently as the legal and regulatory landscapes change.
• Credit Union-Bank Mergers: Similar to attacks on credit unions' tax-exempt status, banks have made misleading claims about credit union-bank mergers. NAFCU sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to provide more details on these transactions, which are often to the benefit of communities that could otherwise be left without a banking option.

The page also links directly to the association's Grassroots Action Center, which has additional resources for credit unions, including voter registration, candidate lookup, and action alerts. Credit unions can also contact lawmakers through the action center on important issues.

The resource page launch comes at a critical time as presidential caucus and primaries are underway and lawmakers get into the full swing of the second session of the 116th Congress. The Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primaries happened earlier this month, the Nevada Caucus is tomorrow, and the South Carolina Primary takes place Feb. 29. NAFCU will continue to monitor the outcomes and ensure credit unions know how candidates' positions could impact the industry.

Another great opportunity for credit unions to join in NAFCU's advocacy and get insights into the presidential election is the association's Congressional Caucus, happening Sept. 13-16. This event allows credit unions to engage directly with lawmakers to tout the good work credit unions are doing in their communities and fight for regulatory change. 

Subscribe to NAFCU Today to stay up-to-date on the latest coming out of Washington. For a behind the scenes look at NAFCU's advocacy team and live updates, follow NAFCU on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.