On January 27, over 270 credit union professionals from across Wisconsin shared The Credit Union Difference with their elected officials at The League's annual State Government Affairs Conference in Madison. During those meetings, attendees shared their support for legislation to prevent financial fraud, strengthen financial literacy education, and rein in predatory lending practices. Our 2025 Scorecard was also unveiled, including a video on how credit unions are fighting hunger across the state:
Other accomplishments from 2025 include:
- Helped members keep $867 million in their pockets through better loan rates and fewer fees
- Returned $12 million directly to members in patronage or bonus dividends
- Donated $13 million to local charities and community and civic groups, along with countless volunteer hours
- Operated over 70, in-school, student-run branches
- Reported refinancing payday loan debt obtained elsewhere (98%) and provided 31,268 loans to individuals with no or low credit scores
- Worked to improve the financial well-being of nearly 4 million credit union members and strengthen Wisconsin's economy with 11,585 credit union employees
In the morning, attendees heard a special address from Governor Tony Evers, along with remarks from League President & CEO Sarah Wainscott, League Vice President of Advocacy Dave Groshek, and Wisconsin DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann. After meetings with legislators, attendees listened to a closing keynote from Craig Gilbert, Lubar Fellow at Marquette University Law School and former Washington Bureau Chief and national political reporter for the Milwaukee Journal, on polarization, parity, and realignment in the state's electorate.
Leading up to the conference, a yard games fundraiser benefiting the Wisconsin Credit Union Legislative Action Fund (WCULAF) raised over $7,000 to support credit union-friendly candidates in Wisconsin, along with crowning yard pong, cornhole, & giant Jenga champions.
Snapshots from the day taken by The League and member credit unions can be viewed on The League's Facebook feed and a photo album is coming soon! Thanks to the many new & familiar faces who joined us to advocate for The Credit Union Movement! We also would like to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors, TruStage, Corporate Central Credit Union, FHLBank Chicago, and LaMacchia Group.