TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 11, 2025) |
The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia credit unions, is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the credit union structure and investing in pro-credit union candidates with a $450,000 contribution to America's Credit Unions' National Advocacy Fund (NAF).
This contribution comes as The League continues its robust advocacy efforts, including recent meetings with key members of the House Ways & Means Committee who will be authoring the next tax package. The League, along with credit union leaders from congressional districts 4 (Rep. Aaron Bean), 16 (Rep. Vern Buchanan), and 17 (Rep. Greg Steube), met with lawmakers to share the importance of preserving the credit union tax exemption. Credit unions serve as a financial lifeline for small businesses, families, and rural and underserved communities, providing essential funding that fuels economic growth. In Florida alone, credit unions contributed $14 billion in total economic impact in 2023, including $1.6 billion in small business loans, demonstrating the crucial role they play in strengthening local economies.
“Credit unions generate more than eight times the economic output compared to the revenue that would be gained if they were taxed,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “Our contribution of nearly half a million dollars to the National Advocacy Fund underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that credit unions can continue to empower local economies and elect credit union champions in the future.”
In Alabama, credit unions provided $655 million in small business loans in 2023, supporting entrepreneurs and job creators while driving a total economic impact of $3.7 billion. Similarly, Virginia credit unions generated $5.3 billion in financial benefits in 2024, further highlighting the value credit unions deliver to their communities. Meanwhile, Georgia credit unions are on track to generate $1.5 billion in total financial benefits by 2035, ensuring continued access to affordable financial services for members across the state.
For the most part, lawmakers recognize that credit unions are a cornerstone of the economy, promoting financial literacy, fostering small business growth, and ensuring access to affordable credit. The League continues to advocate for the credit union movement, emphasizing its critical role in job creation, economic growth, and community development.