Rep. Sodrel becomes CURIA Co-Sponsor
Indiana credit unions are visible with congressman
September 14, 2005

This group met with Congressman Sodrel during a Hike the Hill visit coordinated by the Indiana Credit Union League July 27. From left: Ambrose Clements, Diamond Valley FCU (Evansville); Don Weaver, Indiana University EFCU (Bloomington); Marilyn Clements, Diamond Valley FCU; Rep. Sodrel; Bettye Abbott, Diamond Valley FCU; League President John McKenzie; Ray Abbott, Diamond Valley FCU; and Mike Gerth, Members Choice FCU (Bloomington).

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mike Sodrel (R-9) agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 2317, The Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (CURIA) Bill late yesterday. In doing so, he becomes the second from Indiana. Rep. Dan Burton (R-5) was one of the bill’s original co-sponsors.

Rep. Sodrel’s decision comes after several face-to-face meetings this year with representatives of the Indiana Credit Union League and credit unions from southern Indiana. In February, League President John McKenzie and VP of Governmental Affairs Chris Beaumont were the first to meet with him at his new Jeffersonville, Ind. office. The most recent meeting with him was at his Washington, D.C. office on July 27 as part of the League’s Hike the Hill trip. “At our July meeting, the congressman’s response to our message about the importance of the federal tax exemption and CURIA was very positive,” explained McKenzie. “His accessibility, as well as his receptiveness to our message about how consumers and small business owners benefit from credit unions, has been tremendous.”

During the August recess, the congressman’s legislative counsel paid a visit to Indiana University EFCU in Bloomington where he met with CEO Bob Newcomb and Chairman Don Weaver. After Labor Day, the League followed up with Rep. Sodrel by sharing a letter with him that Hoosier Hills CU CEO George McNichols had received from a business. The letter emphasized how much the business values the lending services provided by the credit union, especially given the trend of local banks being purchased by larger banks that are headquartered out of state. Hoosier Hills CU, located in Bedford, Ind. has branches that serve communities in the 9th Congressional District.

Sodrel is in his first term representing constituents in south central and southeastern Indiana. “We appreciate very much Rep. Sodrel’s s co-sponsorship of CURIA,” said McKenzie. “And we are pleased that he has been so supportive of credit unions as a new congressman.”

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