By Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO
With the 2026 midterm election behind us, the work of the 2027–2028 legislative session has begun. On November 3, Wisconsin voters chose a new governor, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and Democrats achieved a trifecta in the State Capitol, controlling the State Senate and State Assembly as well. Many of the lawmakers who will vote on banking issues over the next two years are new to the Capitol, and they will form their views of our industry quickly.
That is why I am writing to ask for your personal support of Wisbankpac and the Alliance for Bankers Conduit before the end of the year.
The next session will bring decisions that directly impact your business and customers. A new state budget will be written in the first half of 2027. Lawmakers will weigh tax fairness between banks and tax-exempt competitors, the rules for emerging products like digital assets, and how Wisconsin handles fraud, elder financial exploitation, and the cost of doing business on Main Street.
Our goal for the 2026 cycle is $315,000 across Wisbankpac and the Alliance for Bankers Conduit. Thanks to the bankers who have already given, we have raised $222,000 to date. That leaves $95,000 to close by December 31.
I am asking every member bank to help us finish strong. If you have already contributed this year, thank you! Please consider a year-end gift or encourage a colleague to join you. If you have not yet given, there is no better time than now.
There are two ways to give, and both make a difference:
- Wisbankpac: WBA’s registered political action committee pools contributions from individual bankers to support pro-banking candidates throughout Wisconsin. It gives our industry one unified voice.
- Alliance for Bankers Conduit: WBA’s registered conduit lets you direct your own contributions to the candidates of your choice, delivered in your name so legislators know the support comes from a banker in their community.
You can find more information at wisbank.com/advocacy.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or WBA Vice President – Government Relations Chris Borgerding.
The bankers of Wisconsin have a vital story to tell, and your support makes sure the people writing laws hear it. Thank you for everything you do for your customers, your communities, and our industry.
