On January 25, Luminate CEO, Juan Fernandez and Director of Legislative Advocacy, Anthony Ware II attended DC Mardi Gras, below is Anthony’s recap of the event.
DC Mardi Gras is always one of the highlights of the year, blending Louisiana’s rich culture with the critical work of advocacy. While the celebrations were lively, our time in Washington was productive and impactful, as we met with a great majority of our federal delegation to discuss the key issues affecting credit unions.
The top priority was protecting our tax-exempt status, which is essential to our ability to serve members and invest in our communities. We were reassured by Speaker Johnson, Sen. Cassidy, Rep. Letlow, Rep. Carter, Rep. Higgins, and Rep. Fields that they stand with us in maintaining this status. However, Majority Leader Scalise was hesitant to give a verbal commitment. While this presents a challenge, it also provides an opportunity—one we have already begun seizing—to further educate and reinforce why preserving our tax exemption is crucial for Louisiana’s working families and small businesses.
Beyond policy discussions, DC Mardi Gras was a powerful reminder of the unity and strength of the credit union movement. By engaging with lawmakers in a festive yet meaningful setting, we ensured that credit unions remain at the forefront of financial policy conversations. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and grassroots advocacy, reinforcing the importance of speaking with one voice. Credit unions are not just financial institutions—we are community-driven organizations dedicated to improving the financial well-being of our members. Our presence in Washington sent a strong message: we are engaged, we are committed, and we will continue to fight for policies that allow us to better serve Louisiana families.
That’s why our work does not stop here. Even with strong support from our delegation, we know that when tax cuts are being negotiated and numbers need to be balanced at the last minute, credit unions can become part of the discussion. We must ensure that the answer to the question—”Could credit unions become a target?”—remains a firm NO. Now is the time to double down on our advocacy efforts, not slow them down.
We will continue to engage, educate, and reinforce our message to protect the tax status that enables us to serve millions of Louisianians. As we return home, we are energized, focused, and committed to building on this momentum, ensuring a strong and thriving future for credit unions and the millions of Louisianians we serve.