Gearing Up for the 2024 Iowa Legislative Session

December 12, 2023

On January 8, 2024, all 150 Iowa state legislators will return to the Capitol building in Des Moines. The legislators will dust off their desks in the respective chambers and begin to discuss policies and budgets for the new year. Our lobbyists will prepare to meet them there, eager to push forward the 2024 credit union legislative priorities.

It is easy to feel disconnected from this process outside of the walls of the Capitol. Though it might not feel like it, you play an important part in the advancement of the credit union movement. Credit unions are essential in providing accessible financial services to communities across Iowa, and your involvement in the legislative process can help protect and promote this work.

Check out these resources to start the 2024 legislative session off right.

Review the Legislative Priorities. Each year, the ICUL Advocacy Committee and ICUL Board set legislative priorities. Typically, these cover issues relating to the credit union industry at-large and the financial well-being of Iowans. You can read the 2024 legislative priorities here.

Participate in the Postcard Writing Campaign. Our main legislative priority this year is the credit union code update bill (HF 131). This bill would make necessary updates to the Iowa Credit Union Act, helping to keep credit unions vital for Iowans. The bill was passed out of the Iowa House in 2023, but we need your help to get it passed in the Iowa Senate and signed into law in 2024. To do that, we have launched a postcard writing campaign to credit union employees. Please take the time to fill out the green postcards at your credit union asking your Senator to support our bill.

Reach out to your legislators. Introduce yourself and share your connection to Iowa credit unions with your legislators. Reminding them of the credit union difference helps to put Iowa credit union members at the forefront of their minds. Click here to find your legislator and their contact information. Click here for a template email to send to your legislators.

Register for the 2024 Advocacy Webinar. For more in-depth advocacy information and ways to get involved, register for the Advocacy Webinar on Thursday, January 18 from 2:00-3:00pm. We will share a variety of ways to be a successful credit union advocate.

Refresh yourself on the legislative process. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to advocacy, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with how the legislature works. You can find a lot of great resources on the Iowa Legislature’s website and weekly in the Advocacy Newsletters.

Ready to take your advocacy to the next level?

Attend the Legislative & Regulatory Conference. The Legislative and Regulatory Conference is the perfect opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, hear from industry experts, and connect in-person with your legislators. This hands-on experience empowers you to use your voice to advocate for credit unions. Learn more about the conference and view registration options here.

Become a District Advocate. As a District Advocate, you are committed to developing a personal relationship with your local lawmaker. By attending a town hall in your community, emailing your legislator about important bills, or visiting with your legislator at the Capitol, you will be a resource for our advocacy. Please email me if you are interested in serving as a District Advocate.

Join the ICUL Champions Program. The ICUL Champions Program empowers credit union employees to have a greater impact through advocacy. Champions will meet regularly to receive important advocacy updates and hone their advocacy skills. Any credit union employee, no matter previous experience with advocacy, is encouraged to participate. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about the program or would like to get involved.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us!

Subscribe to the Advocacy Email List. Receive important calls to actions, legislative news, and advocacy updates regularly by subscribing to our email list here.

Contact Me! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about how to get involved or if you just want to talk more about advocacy. Our team is here as a resource!

Brittany Freeman

Political Action & Grassroots Manager, PolicyWorks

Brittany.freeman@policyworksllc.com

515-612-7381