(Photo L to R:  CUAD VP of Advocacy and Awareness Jeff Olson, Senator Thune, and small business owner from South Dakota, John Small.)

CUAD advocates met with five of the six Dakota Congressional representatives in Washington this week as a part of coordinated national credit union effort to push for passage of the credit union small business jobs act, which would increase the credit union's lending to business members from 12.25 percent of assets to 27.5 percent.

While congress is focusing on the financial "fiscal cliff" issue, Senate Majority Reid and Senator Udall are continuing to look for the right "must pass" package for the bill. The potential for the bill to end up as a stand-alone vote increased yesterday as two prospective moving pieces of legislation, the Defense Authorization bill and the bankers T.A.G. bill appear to be eliminated as prospective vehicles.

Meanwhile In meetings with Dakota representatives and staff, all indicated that they would be "open" to supporting the Bill if it is packaged to other favorable legislation. CUAD advocates met with Senator Thune, Senator Hoeven, Senator Conrad, Senator Johnson, and Congresswoman Noem this week. CUAD staff hopes to meet with Congressman Berg next week.

Photo:  John Small, small business owner from South Dakota, meets with Congresswoman Noem this week to discuss the benefits of credit union Member Business Lending.