Joyce Moed | Political Samples

The Credit Union Association of New York’s 2008 voters’ guide

By Joyce Moed, Reporter

ALBANY, N.Y.–The Credit Union Association of New York’s 2008 voters’ guide has been released to its member credit unions and state legislators.

“We sent it out to our members and we make it available to credit union professionals,” said Amy Kramer, vice president of governmental affairs for the Association. “They can share it with their members.”

“The Voters’ Guide 2008: An Insider’s Guide to the State Legislature’s Credit Union Record” provides a legislative summary of the progress made on behalf of New York credit unions during the 2008 session. It also presents leadership profiles and reveals which state lawmakers sponsored or co-sponsored the five top bills of benefit to CUs in 2008, including Municipal Depository Choice, which would allow municipalities to make deposits in credit unions, and Excelsior Linked Deposit Program, which looks to permit CU participation in a program that allows other financial institutions to leverage state funds to make affordable loans to small businesses. The guide also indicates legislative involvement at the credit union level in 2008, such as visiting a CU or attending a CU event.

“We give a recap and update on our legislation, and a little spotlight on those who have been especially helpful,” Kramer said. “We also rate current legislatures, and explain how we rate them.”

This is the second time the Association is publishing a voter’s guide.

“I think it’s a great service,” Kramer said. “It helps credit unions know how their lawmakers vote on their issues. And for the lawmakers–we want them know we are watching them.”

William Mellin, president and CEO, said the Association wanted to make sure that its members know if their local lawmakers support credit union friendly legislation and credit unions before they go to the polls in November so they can make informed choices when voting.

“The bottom line is that it’s essential for credit unions to support legislators who support credit unions and their more than 4.2 million members to ensure the future health and well-being of credit unions,” he said.