adminDay one of the Florida Advocacy Conference started with an agenda full of opportunities to advance the credit union movement at the state level.
The morning schedule opened with about 30 credit union officials gathering for coffee to hear an update from Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody. Topics covered cannabis banking to fraud and she encouraged anyone suspecting fraud of any kind to report it to her office immediately.
LSCU CEO/President Patrick La Pine welcomed the more than 80 credit union leaders with an update on the work that the League is doing and encouraged everyone to stay engaged. Following the welcome, Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) Commissioner Ron Rubin, spoke about bringing technology to financial innovation in Florida.
Legislative updates on public deposits, financial literacy in high schools, and PACE loans, were provided from Senior VP, Association Services & Governmental Affairs Jared Ross and Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Jennifer Martin to prepare attendees for the afternoon’s twenty meetings with Florida lawmakers.
After an exciting and energetic PAC awards luncheon, led by Political Action & Grassroots Manager John Rothell, credit union leaders, volunteers, and Young Professionals proceeded to the capital where the first stop was a tour of the House floor. During the tour, Speaker-Designate Chris Sprowls came to speak to the group.
Highlights of the day included meetings with Senate President Bill Galvano, Speaker – Designate Chris Sprowls, Speaker Jose Oliva’s Chief of Staff, and continued as leaders met with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss credit unions and the role we play in our communities. After great discussions and interactions with lawmakers, the afternoon culminated with several attendees participating by waiving in support at a subcommittee hearing on HB 73, which would require a half credit for financial literacy for Florida high school students.
