Tag Archive for: Capitol Day

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Advocacy Update: New Year, New Opportunities to Advocate

By Lorenzo Cruz

With the start of the new year, many of us have taken time to reflect upon the accomplishments of the last year. For the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) and our members, 2023 was full of success. Of note, our team of dedicated banking advocates helped to secure a historic victory in the state budget, which will save the industry tens of millions of dollars annually through a state tax exemption on certain commercial and ag purpose loans. Without the grassroots and financial advocacy support of the membership, this monumental achievement would not have been possible. So, as you begin to consider your resolutions for the year ahead, I hope that you consider actively engaging in WBA’s political advocacy efforts in 2024.

As always, there are a plethora of ways for bankers to be involved with WBA’s advocacy efforts to aid in shaping the future of our industry. Being an election year, it is ever so important that bankers are present to make their voices heard. Capitol Day, the Association’s most important and largest advocacy event of the year, will take place on February 22 in Madison at the Monona Terrace. The one-day event is a great opportunity for all bankers, regardless of advocacy experience, to gain insight on policy issues impacting the Wisconsin banking industry and make direct connections with their elected legislators. These meetings, which occur in small groups based on Assembly or Senate district, are an effective way for WBA and the membership to share our legislative priorities with policymakers.

On the financial front, it is no secret that election years bring with them political campaigns that are skyrocketing in cost. Being “B” for “Banker,” it is more important than ever that we are prepared to support pro-banking candidates on both sides of the aisle.

At the individual level, bankers should consider becoming a member of the Silver Triangle Club or Leadership Circle by making a personal contribution to Wisbankpac or the Alliance of Bankers Conduit (ABW). At the bank level, an organization can achieve Gold Triangle recognition by meeting certain aggregate contribution amounts to the PAC and ABW. These contribution levels are based on the asset size of the bank.

After the big win in the budget, the WBA government relations team continues to lobby at the State Capitol in support of our top three priorities: elder fraud, financial institution modernization, and trust code updates. Our team is also playing defense on issues regarding privacy, Merchant Category Codes (MCC), Environmental Social Governance (ESG), and credit card swipe fees.

As the Legislature turns its focus on passing legislation over the next three months, WBA calls upon our members to remain engaged in the process both financially and on a grassroots level. Political activism allows our collective voice to stand out and be heard.

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Executive Letter: Your Expertise Shapes Our Industry

By Rose Oswald Poels

Grassroots advocacy is a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts in supporting the industry, and your involvement is critical to the success of our advocacy priorities. As very few legislators have experience in banking, bankers are looked upon as trusted members of the communities our elected officials represent and are essential in conveying the impact legislative proposals will have on your community, bank, and industry.

In not only wrapping up the 2023–24 legislative session, but looking ahead to the elections later this year, it is vital that all bankers remain proactive in making their voices heard on issues impacting our institutions. The last year has seen significant success — especially at the state level — and we must keep this momentum going to ensure that our industry’s concerns are addressed and understood by policymakers.

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Association’s first advocacy event of the year — Capitol Day — will bring together banking advocates from across Wisconsin at the State Capitol. With so many key initiatives that we wish to accomplish, including guarding against changes to credit card swipe fees and pushing for financial institution modernization and elder fraud protection, it’s important that bankers utilize this invaluable opportunity to meet face to face with their representatives.

Capitol Day is also a great way for all bankers to expand their experience as advocates. In 2023, nearly half those present during the event were first-time attendees. In emphasizing the key issues impacting banks in Wisconsin and providing insight into the political and policy landscape of the state, you and your team will gain updates from the WBA Government Relations team as well as hear from a legislative panel and guest speaker to ensure confidence going into the small group meetings that WBA will arrange with state legislators determined by Assembly and Senate district.

Additionally, WBA will once again host two Washington Trips to meet with our congressional delegation — one in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) and the other in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA).

Regardless of your bank’s membership in either national trade group, all WBA members are welcome and invited to attend either (or both) the WBA/ABA Washington Summit on March 18–20, 2024 in Washington, D.C. and the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit, which will take place April 28–May 1, 2024. During each of these two trips, bankers can expect to hear from a variety of speakers as well as make trips to Capitol Hill that WBA will arrange to visit with those in our congressional delegation. Please let me know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience.

Bankers are instrumental in amplifying the value of our industry and demonstrating how public policy impacts a bank’s ability to aid in the economic growth and vitality of their community. The Association is your partner in assisting your bank in its grassroots involvement and uniting the voices of all bankers in Wisconsin for the betterment of the industry. Thank you for your dedication to advancing the interests of the banking sector; I hope to see you and/or other members of your team this spring either at the State Capitol in Madison or on the Hill in D.C.

Register Now for Capitol Day 2024 Attend a Spring Summit in D.C.
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Taking the Lead on Advocacy

By Lorenzo Cruz

The Wisconsin Bankers Association’s (WBA) mission to support our members is rooted in advocacy. However, the advocacy we do on behalf of the banking industry is not successful without your active participation in partnership with WBA. In addition to responding to grassroots email alerts asking you to contact your state or federal elected officials, we need you to participate in our annual Capitol Day in Madison to directly share with legislators the positive impact banks have on Wisconsin’s economy. Since the state legislature only meets in the spring in an election year, WBA’s Capitol Day is just around the corner, scheduled for February 22, 2024.

What is Capitol Day?

The one-day event is held annually in Madison and features updates from WBA staff on key issues impacting banks in Wisconsin as well as a legislative panel and guest speaker. These morning sessions provide the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the political and policy landscape of the state, along with the specific legislation affecting the banking industry prior to heading to small group meetings with state legislators.

In the afternoon, WBA schedules meetings for each banker attending with their elected state legislators determined by Assembly and Senate district. Bankers from all areas of the bank are encouraged to participate in Capitol Day and make their voices heard. While it may seem daunting, our team works diligently to ensure each attendee is prepared with talking points and handouts to have impactful conversations with their legislators. The relationships formed between bankers and their representatives continue to be critical in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on local banks and communities, as well as the industry.

Why Does it Matter?

In 2023, the membership shattered WBA’s Capitol Day attendance record with nearly 200 bankers in attendance for the annual event. Almost half of those present in 2023 were first-time attendees. It is vital that bankers not only continue to voice their opinion on policies impacting them, but also encourage others to provide new perspectives that augment the voices of our seasoned advocates.

By meeting with 75% of the legislators in our state, our presence at the State Capitol this past May unified the voice of Wisconsin’s banking community and resulted in the historic tax parity relief and personal property tax repeal wins we saw passed in the budget this summer. Legislators and staff sincerely value hearing directly from their local bankers (YOU!) on the issues impacting their district.

However, WBA isn’t the only business association to host a government day to educate and lobby legislators on the policy matters that impact their industry. In the past several years, credit union activists and realtors have shown up in larger numbers to represent and advocate for their industries. With many more legislative priorities that we wish to accomplish, including guarding against credit card swipe fees and pushing for financial institution modernization and elder fraud protection, it’s important that we do the same!

With so much at stake, an even larger turnout is warranted for the 2024 event. Our team is hoping to see at least 300 bankers in Madison for WBA Capitol Day. Your voice unequivocally matters to our advocacy success so if you would like to help shape the issues affecting the success of the banking industry, I highly encourage you to mark your calendars for February 22. It is well worth your time and effort.

Taking the Next Step

Equally important to our grassroots initiatives are our political fundraising efforts from an advocacy standpoint. While it is never easy asking for monetary support, the political reality is that in order to maintain existing allies and garner future ones, we need to provide financial support to elected officials and candidates who will aid us in safeguarding the banking industry.

If we neglect this task, we run the risk of a competitor or adversary gaining the advantage to pass legislation or an administrative rule that harms our industry. Legislative issues WBA is defending against, including a change in lien priority, additional regulatory burden in the form of new privacy rules or ESG/fair access concerns, or losing revenue in the form of interchange fees, individually or in combination, would be detrimental to the success of the banking industry if enacted into law.

With the 2024 election season quickly approaching, and campaign spending expected to break even more records, WBA set a goal of raising $300,000 in personal contributions to either Wisbankpac or the Alliance for Bankers Conduit (ABW) in 2023. As of this writing, we are at nearly 75% of this goal. With your help, we can replenish our political fundraising campaign coffers and support the elected officials and candidates who support you!

Your contributions — both monetary and grassroots support — make a tremendous difference. To learn more about all the ways you can help be a strong advocate for your bank and the industry, please visit wisbank.com/advocacy.

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Advocacy Update: Supporting WBA’s Advocacy Initiatives

By Lorenzo Cruz

With the 2023–24 legislative biennium underway and a great deal of banking-related activity on the horizon, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) government relations team is off to a busy start.

As Governor Tony Evers vies with a Republican-controlled legislature to spend a record $7B State budget surplus, our team is looking ahead to opportunities in the state budget to address concerns related to tax relief, economic development, and general fiscal policies impacting the industry.

Aside from the State budget, this year WBA also plans to navigate the legislative process to pass legislation on several other key issues including elder fraud, banking modernization, and the trust code as well as guard against harmful credit union expansion/acquisitions, credit card swipe fees (interchange), and privacy reform.

With so much in store this year, it is imperative that members of the WBA make their voices heard on issues impacting them.

Why Our Advocacy Matters

Like our Association, the Wisconsin credit unions host a day at the State Capitol each year. In January, over 200 credit union activists donned their red and black scarves and lined the hallways of the Capitol in Madison to lobby their state legislators in person on their top priorities like credit union modernization — which is a deceptive ruse from WBA’s perspective that calls for broadening of the credit unions’ powers to further unlevel the playing field while still exploiting and leveraging their tax-exempt status.

With this in mind, it is vital that the membership turn out in force on WBA’s Capitol Day on Wednesday, April 26 with a comparable or larger presence to counteract their lobbying efforts and remind legislators and staff that banks invest in and serve their communities too.

Legislators need to hear from local members who live in their districts that banks are also vital economic development pillars of their communities that help make dreams a reality but without the advantage of a tax exemption and often with more regulatory requirements to meet like the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

Register Now for Capitol Day

How Can You Assist in WBA’s Advocacy Efforts?

In addition to registering to attend WBA’s Capitol Day on April 26, there are several ways banks and individual members may choose to elevate WBA’s advocacy efforts. Between new and existing political giving opportunities, bankers are encouraged to find the best way to engage and support our advocacy efforts and infrastructure.

This year, WBA introduced a new initiative — the Leadership Circle — recognizing major investors who contribute to the PAC and conduit. Many will also be familiar with the Silver Triangle Club award for individuals, the Gold Triangle Club award (the second-highest level of fundraising recognition for banks), and the ability to make corporate contributions to our issue advocacy fund.

Lastly, member banks should strive to achieve the pinnacle grassroots advocacy award, Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government (BIGG). BIGG honorees are recognized at WBA’s annual Bank Executives Conference for receiving the highest level of grassroots activism by meeting five of seven established criteria.

WBA urges advocacy officers and c-suite executives to take an active role to help WBA meet its 2023 political fundraising goal of $300,000; increasing the number of attendees at Capitol Day and Kohler outing-issue advocacy event; and growing participants in the Leadership Circle, Silver Triangle, Gold Triangle, and BIGG. By collaborating with members and working together on the advocacy front, WBA can effectively focus its energy and resources on protecting the interest of the banking community while advancing the Association’s key priorities in 2023.

Support Our Industry
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Executive Letter: Resources for Grassroots Involvement and Fundraising

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

Advocacy is the central focus of nearly every function at the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). With a mission to assist bankers in positively impacting the communities they serve, the Association plays an important role in providing resources and opportunities to all members to help facilitate the conversations that are critical to making their voices heard on matters that affect our industry and, in turn, our neighbors.

Recently, WBA’s Government Relations team mailed each member bank the annual Advocacy Toolkit. The Toolkit features several resources including best practices, how to identify and contact local legislators, as well as all the ways your bank can choose to assist the Association in our political fundraising efforts.

With the support of our members, the last biennium has resulted in several advocacy accomplishments — as highlighted by the 2022–2023 WBA Advocacy Report — on both the offensive and defensive side. While the last session was extremely active, we expect the next two years to be even more so as we prepare for the next U.S. election in 2024.

While fundraising is not always the most glamorous aspect of advocacy, it is certainly one of the most important. It ensures that those who support the banking industry are elected to office and helps our team effectively lobby for key issues impacting the industry. Looking back, I am pleased to say that in 2022, WBA raised over $270,000 to support our mission. Of course, this accomplishment is not possible without the support of our members. One hundred sixty bankers received WBA’s Silver Triangle recognition in 2022 for contributing at least $500 to our advocacy efforts, and 46 institutions earned WBA’s Gold Triangle award for political fundraising in 2022.

This year, the Association’s goal is to raise $300,000 — a feat we have not accomplished in the last five years. As you and your team consider the various ways to participate this calendar year, I remind you that any combination of donations to the Wisbankpac, Alliance for Bankers Conduit (ABW), or the issue advocacy fund move WBA closer to achieving our calendar year fundraising goal.

Personally, I give at least $4,000 each year towards supporting WBA’s political efforts and encourage not only executive management to give generously — as our livelihoods depend on the success of this great industry — but also welcome every banker to contribute as even small-dollar donations help make a big difference.

New members are encouraged to join at the Silver Triangle level, now set at $1,000, and existing members may consider doubling, tripling, or quadrupling their donation amount. As such, WBA is excited to announce two new ways bankers can be recognized for its political giving: WBA’s Leadership Circle, awarded to those who contribute at least $3,000, and WBA’s Hall of Fame Recognition, recognizing those who contribute at least $25,000 in aggregate lifetime investments through any combination of Wisbankpac or ABW.

If you have any questions regarding political fundraising or would like to learn more about which donation level is right for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to or Lorenzo Cruz, WBA vice president – government relations, or me.

Aside from making political contributions, another vital component in ensuring the health and security of banks in Wisconsin is grassroots involvement. As I have stated in a previous Executive Letter, this year we have set an ambitious goal of having 200 attendees at this year’s Capitol Day. As you may know, over 200 attendees were present for the Wisconsin Credit Union League’s Capitol Day, which was held in January. With several legislative priorities on our radar this year, now more than ever, bankers will play a pivotal role in shaping the image of our industry and ensuring that our elected officials remain informed and educated on topics that impact bankers and communities throughout the state.

Currently, only 30% of our attendance goal has been reached, and with WBA’s Capitol Day right around the corner on April 26, 2023, I urge you to register now to join me and your peers at the State Capitol. In addition to receiving a legislative briefing from our GR team, this year’s event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics.com, as well as an update from the Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. In the afternoon, attendees will meet in groups with their local legislators.

Again, with so much in store for the upcoming legislative session, I appreciate those members who go out of their way to join WBA in supporting the banking industry. The dedication and support of bankers is reflected in the success of our Association and a thriving banking industry in Wisconsin.

Access the Digital Toolkit
Attend 2023 Capitol Day
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Executive Letter: Opportunities to Advocate This Spring

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

With the transition into the new year, so too begins the 2023–24 legislative session. As the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) looks ahead to further engaging with our elected officials and acting on several key priorities including credit unions, regulatory modernization, and elder fraud in 2023, WBA members are also encouraged to make the most of the various opportunities offered by the Association to make their voices heard.

This spring, bankers from across the state are invited to join the WBA Government Relations team in Madison for the 2023 WBA Capitol Day as well as two WBA Washington Trips to meet with our congressional delegation — one in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) Washington Summit and the other in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Capital Summit.

Our 2023 Capitol Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 11*, provides Wisconsin bankers with the invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with their representatives and demonstrate how public policy impacts a bank’s ability to aid in the economic growth and vitality of their community.

Annually, over 100 bankers and WBA Advocacy Officers are in attendance to receive updates from state Assembly and Senate leaders as well as assist the Association in conveying the role and value of our industry. Registration is open now, and more information will be provided for attendees as the event nears.

Additionally, the WBA will be in Washington, D.C. March 20–22 (bankers are encouraged to schedule late flights on the 22nd or stay until the 23rd given the House Republican schedule that week) for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit as well as May 14–17 for the WBA/ICBA Capital Summit. During these two trips, bankers can expect to hear from a variety of speakers as well as make trips to Capitol Hill to visit with those in our congressional delegation. Please note that during the WBA/ABA Washington Summit, Hill visits will likely occur both on March 21 and through mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22 given that the House Republicans will not be in office until Wednesday of that week.

All WBA members, regardless of their membership to either national trade group, are welcome and invited to join WBA’s Washington Trip on either date. Please let WBA know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience. You may register now for the WBA/ABA Washington Summit.

Grassroots advocacy is a fundamental aspect of WBA’s efforts in supporting the industry, and your involvement is critical to the success of our advocacy priorities. Although very few legislators have experience in banking, bankers are looked upon as trusted members of the communities our elected officials represent and are essential in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on your community, bank, and industry.

Thank you for your continued grassroots involvement for the betterment of the banking industry, and I hope to see you and/or other members of your team this spring either at the State Capitol in Madison or on the Hill in D.C.

*WBA’s 2023 Capitol Day is now scheduled for April 26.

2023 WBA Capitol Day WBA/ABA Washington Summit WBA/ICBA Capital Summit (Opening Soon!)
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Reflecting on Another Incredible Year

Ken Thompson HeadshotBy Kenneth D. Thompson

As my time as WBA Chair comes to a close on May 31, and I prepare to hand the baton over to Daniel Peterson, I wish to reflect upon the remarkable efforts bankers throughout our state have made this year to ensure the success of our industry. Even as we continue to feel the residual impacts of the pandemic, Wisconsin bankers continue to face every challenge in stride and stand as trusted partners in their communities.

 

Advocacy

This year, over 100 bankers from around the state attended WBA’s annual Capitol Day at the State Capitol in Madison. In addition to hearing from Wisconsin political leaders, bankers met with legislators to convey how issues like credit union expansion, banking regulatory modernization, interchange fee legislation, and elder fraud directly impact their local economies and consumers.

Similarly, many bankers have testified on several WBA key issues in the last year. Your grassroot involvement was critical in preventing bills such as those allowing for the expansion of credit unions from moving past either House. Your engagement in testifying, commenting, and supporting WBA’s efforts further unites our industry.

Education

As bankers continue to embrace new post-pandemic realities, WBA staff too is learning and shifting to best meet the needs of WBA members. Between new hybrid approaches to specific conferences and events geared at keeping our bankers informed — thousands of bankers from throughout the state have benefited from WBA’s adaptability in times of uncertainty which has allowed banks across the state to continue to grow and embrace each challenge faced.

These challenges, though difficult, have also been extremely rewarding. Bankers have shown their innovation and flexibility not only for the sake of their team members, but for their communities. This year, over 100 banks participated in WBA’s fifth annual Power of Community Week to engage with members of their communities through various service events. Throughout the year, the efforts bankers make in establishing connections within the communities they serve prove valuable in aiding the financial wellbeing of our neighbors. Additionally, your efforts assist in shaping the public’s opinion of the banking industry — a valuable perspective to hold especially as we approach election season — continue to explore new ways of embracing technology, and evolve as an industry.

I would also like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels and her staff — I speak for many of us when I say I am deeply grateful for the work that the association does for the banking community in Wisconsin and beyond.

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Executive Letter: Thank You for Your Advocacy Efforts!

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

As the 2021–2022 legislative sessions come to a close next month, our Government Relations team at the Wisconsin Bankers Association have been working tirelessly to ensure that the voices and needs of our member banks are heard by our legislators both in Madison and in Washington, D.C.

Grassroots advocacy is foundational to our work at WBA. On January 18, over 100 bankers from across the state met at the State Capitol in Madison for WBA’s annual Capitol Day. Along with advocating for our legislative agenda, bankers had the opportunity to hear from the elected leadership from both parties and several insiders regarding the remainder of the 2021–2022 session and the upcoming November election. I want to thank all of the 2022 Cap Day attendees for your grassroots advocacy for our industry and continued efforts in keeping our legislators informed.

Along with your general advocacy in support of issues affecting our industry, the efforts of WBA-member bankers specifically on the WBA-led banking modernization bill directly helped in this bill clearing two significant hurdles just last week. On Tuesday, the full State Senate unanimously passed SB 596 on a voice vote. Then on Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions recommended the bill for passage on a 9–0 vote. I am incredibly grateful to bill authors Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg) for their efforts in advancing this important legislation. The bill is now eligible to be voted on by the full State Assembly, the final step before it would head to Gov. Evers for signature.

This spring, WBA will also be joining both the American Bankers Association (ABA) and Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for our spring Washington, D.C. visits. These summits, taking place March 7–9 and May 1–4 respectively, are critical in making your voice heard by policymakers in Washington, D.C. Please let me know if you are interested in attending one of these two key summits at your earliest convenience.

2022 is off to a fast start on policy matters and the hectic pace is only expected to continue as we approach several high-profile elections later this year. As always, I know that your grassroots involvement will not only help us shape the future of our industry, but, also, assist us in advocating successfully for the banking industry throughout the remainder of the year.

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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!

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Executive Letter: The Importance of Attending Capitol Day

Rose Oswald PoelsBy Rose Oswald Poels

Grassroots advocacy is at the foundation of WBA’s advocacy efforts to ensure that elected officials in Wisconsin and Washington D.C. understand the impact of their initiatives on the banking industry. The relationships that many of you develop with your representatives play a critical role in the success of WBA’s advocacy priorities. As part of our grassroots advocacy, WBA’s hosts an annual Capitol Day in Madison to help bankers around the state connect with their legislators on issues important to the industry and on actions our government can take to aid in the economic growth and strength of our communities.

As our 2022 Capitol Day quickly approaches, I invite you to join your fellow bankers in meeting face-to-face at the State Capitol to advocate on several key issues affecting the banking industry this session. Few Wisconsin legislators have experience in banking and your grassroot involvement is essential in reinforcing the impact legislative proposals will have on your bank, the industry, and your communities.

As we have mentioned in other publications, there will a public hearing on the credit union powers’ bill — SB 451 — on January 11, just one week before WBA’s Capitol Day. The timing of your attendance and conversations with legislators and their staff will be critical in helping us either defeat any further progress made or amend the bill. Moreover, the credit union industry is hosting their annual Capitol Day a week after ours, so it is imperative that we have a strong showing of bankers on January 18 to offset the large numbers we expect the credit union industry to have present at their event.

The event includes hearing from several State Assembly and Senate leaders, moderated discussions with political insiders Scott Jensen and Chuck Chvala, and WBA’s Government Relations update on the legislative session thus far. This information will provide every attendee the knowledge needed to be prepared for the afternoon of meeting face-to-face with your elected legislators in meetings WBA will schedule.

Again, the relationships bankers build at Capitol Day assist us in advocating successfully for the banking industry throughout the year. I hope you and/or others from your team will join me and your fellow bankers at the State Capitol in Madison on January 18 for WBA’s annual Capitol Day.

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questions@wisbank.com

608-441-1200

4721 S Biltmore Ln.
Madison, WI 53718

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