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Sen. Jones and Rep. Lawson honored as LSCU Federal Lawmakers of the Year

Sen. Jones and Rep. Lawson have been longtime supporters of credit unions

SAVANNAH, GA (May 21, 2019) — The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU) presented awards to Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) and Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) as 2018 Federal Lawmakers of the Year. Both honorees were recognized by the LSCU as part of the Credit Union National Association’s Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., this spring.

“Sen. Jones and Rep. Lawson play a critical role in supporting the credit union mission and our cooperative model with their affirmation of the important work we do,” said LSCU & Affiliates President/CEO Patrick La Pine. “They understand the need to overcome regulatory barriers, allowing credit unions to focus less on compliance red tape and more time on serving their membership. We thank Sen. Jones and Rep. Lawson for being willing to stand up for their local financial institutions.”

Jones was elected to the United States Senate in 2017, and his lifelong commitment to service and justice has been evident throughout his career.  He previously served as Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1980-1984 and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama from 1997-2001. It was in this role that Jones successfully prosecuted two of the four men responsible for the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.

While in Washington, Jones has been a vocal supporter of credit unions in Alabama. The son of a steelworker and stay at home mom, Jones knows the value of the credit union motto of “People Helping People.”  He was an original co-sponsor of S. 2155, providing much needed regulatory relief for all credit unions in the state. Jones is a member of America’s First Federal Credit Union in Alabama.

Lawson has proven to be a strong supporter of credit unions while serving the citizens of Florida in Congress since 2016. He served the people of Florida for 28 years in the state legislature as a member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate and has always been extremely supportive of the credit union industry. Since his election to Congress, Lawson continues to be accessible for credit unions and even asked credit unions specifically to participate in a small business lending event in Jacksonville in 2018.

He has publicly expressed support for the credit union tax exemption on several occasions. In 2018, Lawson was one of three Florida Democrats – and one of 33 Democrats overall – to vote “yes” on S. 2155, a regulatory relief package that benefitted credit unions.

The LSCU presents federal and state Lawmaker of the Year awards each year to show support for legislators that listen to the issues, co-sponsor legislation, and vote in support of the credit union position.

Sen. Al Lawson is pictured here with LSCU President/CEO Patrick La Pine and Cecilia Homison, President and CEO of First Commerce Credit Union of Florida at CUNA GAC.

At the reception to honor Sen. Doug Jones, LSCU Federal Lawmaker of the Year in Alabama for 2018, are, Patrick La Pine, president/CEO, League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates, and Bill Connor, president/CEO of America’s First Federal Credit Union. Jones is a member of the credit union.


About League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU)

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents nearly 300 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It has a combined total of almost $200 billion in assets and 12.4 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on FacebookLinkedIn,  and X.

Contacts

Lizeth George
Senior Communications Manager
866-231-0545 ext.1076
lizeth.george@lscu.coop

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