It’s a Wrap on Cap Day 2022
Each day, bankers work for the economic wellbeing of their customers and communities. On January 18, those efforts were brought to the forefront at the State Capitol. Over 100 bankers attended WBA Capitol Day (a.k.a. “Cap Day”) in Madison; for some, it was the first-time stepping foot into a legislator’s office, and for others, it was an opportunity to build on established relationships with their elected officials.
The day kicked off at the Monona Terrace with a panel discussion moderated by WisPolitics President Jeff Mayers. Participants heard straight from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, and Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley. Discussion topics included: an outlook for the final two months of the legislative session, the state’s economy, the impact the COVID pandemic continues to have on their communities and constituencies, and ways the Legislature can work to address workforce issues.
Scott Jensen and Chuck Chvala, “The Insiders,” covered many political topics and focused on what this fall’s election likely has in store. They covered the Governor’s race, the US Senate race, and how the candidates in those races will affect other races down the ballot. They also took us back in time to the Tommy Thompson heyday several times to illustrate how much Wisconsin politics has changed over the last 25 years.
Over the lunch hour, Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca provided perspective on the state’s economy and outlines several of Gov. Tony Evers’ ongoing priorities as we enter the final year of his first term.
The WBA Government Relations team gave a rundown of state legislative topics, a state government 101 review, and an overview of key 2022 political races to watch. After the prep session was complete, participants headed to the Capitol to advocate on key issues with the unique perspectives only bankers can provide. Legislators learned directly from bankers how issues like credit union expansion, banking regulatory modernization, credit card swipe fees, and elder financial exploitation affect their local economies and constituents.
Thank you to the attendees and sponsors — Bankers’ Bank, FHLBank Chicago, the KeyState Companies, Mastercard, and Visa — who made the event a success! This event is the culmination of the work that the WBA Government Relations staff, Government Relations Committee, Advocacy Officers, and civically engaged bankers do year-round. The positive impact is evident in the feedback WBA receives from legislators and bankers alike — Capitol Day makes a difference!
