Federal Legislative Priorities

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Key Federal Legislative Priorities – Fall 2009

Community banks play a key role in the economic health and vitality of communities across Texas and the nation. We as an industry continue to fund a disproportionately large percentage of agriculture and small business loans, and provide a meaningful alternative to consumers who opt not to bank with a large or not-for-profit institution. In the midst of a serious recession, it is becoming ever more clear the important contributions community banking makes to the overall health and well-being of our economy on both a micro and macro basis – and the vast differences between our business model and that of the largest banks. Our banks did not participate in, nor profit from, the excesses that contributed to the meltdown in the financial services industry. Yet sadly, we are paying dearly for the inappropriate behavior of others in the form of depressed real estate markets, higher FDIC premiums and assessments, increasing competition from government subsidized competitors, additional regulatory burden, nervous customers and anxious regulators. The present economic conditions only exacerbate an already difficult competitive environment. Click here to read more on the key issues for our industry this Congress.

Key Federal Legislative Issues – Spring/Summer 2009

Community banks play a key role in the economic health and vitality of communities across Texas and the nation. In the midst of a serious recession, it is becoming ever more clear the important contributions of community banking to the overall health and well-being of our economy on both a micro and macro basis – and the vast differences between our business model and that of the largest banks. Our banks did not participate in, nor profit from, the excesses that contributed to the meltdown in the financial services industry. Yet sadly, we are paying dearly for the inappropriate behavior of others in the form of depressed real estate markets, higher FDIC premiums and assessments, increasing competition from government subsidized competitors, nervous customers and anxious regulators.

We as an industry continue to fund a disproportionately large percentage of agriculture and small business loans, and provide a meaningful alternative to consumers who opt not to bank with a large or not-forprofit institution. Subsequent to the passage of H.R. 1151 in the 105th Congress, which legitimized the bank-like behavior of credit unions, along with the passage of Gramm-Leach Bliley in the 106th Congress, community banking faces increasing and unique challenges. The present economic conditions only exacerbate an already difficult competitive environment. Click here to read the key issues for our industry this Congress include.
Comments & Questions
If you would like to comment on legislative topics or if you have questions about this information please call our public affairs expert, Mae Beth Palone at (800) 749-4228 or e-mail mbpalone@ibat.org.