For those of us in Northern California, Coast Central Credit Union isn’t just a financial institution; it’s a cornerstone of our community. As a member-owned cooperative, Coast Central prioritizes its members’ well-being, reinvesting into the community through competitive rates, personalized service, and vital local support. That’s why the ongoing debate surrounding credit union tax-exempt status is crucial. The “Don’t Tax My Credit Union!” movement isn’t an abstract concept; it directly impacts you and the services and support Coast Central provides.
Why This Matters Locally
Coast Central Credit Union’s ability to offer favorable loan rates and robust community programs hinges on its not-for-profit structure. Taxing this structure would inevitably lead to the following:
- Reduced Member Benefits: Imagine increased loan rates for local families seeking homeownership or car loans as well as those for small businesses.
- Lower Savings Yields: Consider the impact of diminished returns on savings accounts, particularly for our senior members.
- Diminished Community Giving: Coast Central’s support for local schools, nonprofits, and community initiatives would be severely jeopardized. This would impact hundreds of local programs that our communities rely on.
- Impacts on Local Economies: Credit unions like Coast Central are large supporters of the regional economies in which they reside. Taxing them reduces the amount of money that can be reinvested into those local economies.
Key Dates and Ongoing Advocacy
The fight to protect credit union tax-exempt status is ongoing, but your help is needed now. While there may not be one singular “do or die” date, it’s essential to understand that:
- Legislative Sessions Bring Renewed Proposals: Lawmakers are entering the legislative session with an ambitious agenda to tackle a long list of priorities within the new presidency’s first 100 days. This agenda includes significant tax policy changes, especially with key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Achieving these priorities requires substantial funding. Consequently, legislators will be exploring all potential revenue sources.
- Ongoing Advocacy Is Crucial: Organizations and state credit union leagues work tirelessly to educate policymakers about the importance of credit unions. Remembering that tax laws can change at any time is always essential, so constant vigilance is needed.
What You Can Do to Support Coast Central
- Stay Informed: Follow Coast Central’s communications and updates on legislative issues.
- Contact Your Representatives: Let your elected officials know ASAP that you support Coast Central Credit Union and oppose any efforts to tax its not-for-profit status.
- Be an Active Member: Utilize the services Coast Central provides, strengthening the credit union’s ability to serve the community.
- Spread Awareness: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of credit unions and the “Don’t Tax My Credit Union!” movement.
Coast Central Credit Union is a vital asset to our community because of YOU. By understanding the importance of its tax-exempt status and taking action to protect it, we can ensure that it can continue to thrive, serve our community for generations to come, and be a place where YOU are central.