Why should a federally chartered credit union in Maine, California, or Oklahoma pay attention to a legislative dispute between banks and credit unions in Iowa? 

Four reasons why these challenges matter to all credit unions:

1. Restrictions on credit unions in any state weaken the whole credit union industry.  The credit union movement is founded on principles of cooperation, and it can continue to thrive only if credit unions across the country have the authority to grow and better serve new and current members.  As the battle for H.R. 1151 revealed, the strength of the credit union movement is in working together. 
    

2. Legislation adopted in one state often becomes a model for laws in other states and in Congress. 
    

3. Credit Union products and services must comply with laws in all states where the their members live.  Many credit unions face a major challenge in developing mortgage programs for members across the country because state laws vary in their requirements for home loan disclosures and contracts.
    

4. The road to Washington, D.C., began from a seat in the legislature for man congressional representatives and senators.  Four of the past five presidents served as governor before settling in the White House, and many national law makers previously held office in state government. 

Source:  "Political Involvement"  (v421) from CUNA's Volunteer Achievement program (training.cuna.org, select "Self-Study Certificate Programs")