From CUNA News Now

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) President/CEO Bill Cheney has named the top priorities that will drive CUNA's action agenda in 2013.

"CUNA's 2013 priorities fall into three key categories: Protecting credit unions, easing their regulatory burden, and helping them prepare for the future," said the CUNA leader.

"Protecting the credit union tax exemption tops our list of ten 2013 priorities for good reason," Cheney said. "It is widely expected that comprehensive tax reform will be on the legislative agenda next year.

"As part of that process, the credit union tax status is likely to be examined and could come under significant threat--particularly since we know the banks will continue their paid media and lobbying barrage urging credit union taxation."

Here is CUNA's list of top ten priorities for the year:

• Protect and defend the credit union tax exemption;
• Reduce credit union regulatory burden and improve their operating environment through both legislative and regulatory initiatives;
• Ensure comprehensive compliance support;
• Enhance the credit union charter to include such changes as increased member business lending authority and supplemental sources of capital;
• Maintain marketplace flexibility and preserve credit unions' ability to set the price points that match the needs and capacities of their members;
• Engage in housing finance reform;
• Build credit unions' 'Plan to Win' and implement a system that will allow the passage of important pro-credit union legislation by adopting a "535-seat" strategy in which credit unions effectively reach out to all members of the U.S. Congress;
• Unveil a new "Strategic Vision" for the credit union movement;
• Enhance communications to credit unions, consumers and the media; and
• Work "hand-in-glove" with credit union leagues at the state level.