New Jersey Credit Union Leaders Meet with Representative-Elect Nellie Pou
New Jersey credit union leaders participated in a productive meet and greet with Representative-elect Nellie Pou (NJ-D) at Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union. Pou shared insights from her recent professional development experiences in an in-depth discussion with attendees, including Greater Alliance FCU’s senior team, Tom Quigley of Garden Savings FCU, and CrossState Credit Union Association representatives.
Pou attended a two-day policy session at the Harvard Kennedy School and spent 10 days in Washington, D.C., learning about Senate processes and exploring the historic structures that symbolize our nation’s democracy.
A longtime supporter of credit unions, Pou expressed her familiarity with their mission and even shared that she was once a member of a credit union in Paterson, NJ. She showed interest in rejoining a credit union and was informed about the Congressional FCU available to members of Congress.
The discussion covered a variety of important topics, including:
- The Credit Union Difference: Credit unions emphasized their “People Helping People” mission and the importance of preserving their tax-exempt status. Examples of credit union cooperation were highlighted, such as the seven New Jersey credit unions collaborating on the Holiday Food Bank Initiative and hosting Financial Reality Fairs in high schools, colleges, and even prisons.
- Financial Literacy and Support: Credit unions shared their commitment to financial literacy through trained financial counselors, pairing learning opportunities with access to affordable credit, and their role in business lending. Rep. Pou was particularly impressed with credit unions’ work in financial literacy and their efforts to serve underserved communities.
- Legislative Priorities: The group discussed several legislative topics, including the Veterans Member Business Lending bill, the Data Privacy SAFE Act, and ongoing concerns about interchange fees.
Pou asked thoughtful questions to better understand how credit unions meet the financial needs of underserved members and communities. She shared her work in the juvenile justice system and expressed her appreciation for the cooperative spirit credit unions embody in their efforts to improve financial access and education.
CrossState and the participating credit unions extend their gratitude to Pou for her time and conversation. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to serving communities and fostering financial well-being across New Jersey.