Credit Union National Association (CUNA) President/CEO Bill Cheney Wednesday named the top priorities that will drive CUNA’s action agenda in 2013.

“CUNA’s 2013 priorities fall into three key categories: Protecting credit unions, easing their regulatory burden, and helping them prepare for the future,” said the CUNA leader.

“Protecting the credit union tax exemption tops our list of ten 2013 priorities for good reason,” Cheney said. “It is widely expected that comprehensive tax reform will be on the legislative agenda next year.

“As part of that process, the credit union tax status is likely to be examined and could come under significant threat–particularly since we know the banks will continue their paid media and lobbying barrage urging credit union taxation.” (See related story: A closer look: CUNA sets four-pillar legislative agenda.)

Here is CUNA’s list of top ten priorities for the year:

• Protect and defend the credit union tax exemption;
• Reduce credit union regulatory burden and improve their operating environment through both legislative and regulatory initiatives;
• Ensure comprehensive compliance support;
• Enhance the credit union charter to include such changes as increased member business lending authority and supplemental sources of capital;

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