To New York Community Bankers: IBANYS and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) urge community bankers to strongly oppose the National Credit Union Administration proposal to expand credit unions' tax-advantaged status over taxpaying community banks. You can use ICBA's "Be Heard" grassroots website to contact the NCUA, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and your local Members of the House of Representatives to express your opposition. in opposition. Background: The NCUA recently proposed changes to credit union field-of-membership rules that would nearly eliminate the common-bond requirement. Among other changes, community-chartered credit unions would be able to claim that a congressional district is a "well-defined local community," which would allow community credit unions in seven states to serve their entire state. This NCUA proposal would make credit unions less restricted by geography, further expanding their footprint while maintaining their exemption from taxation and federal financial regulations facing taxpaying community banks. Take Action: Thanks for your support and participation. Please take action today. If you have questions, contact Laura Hawxhurst ([email protected]). To voice your opposition, click the advocacy tab, then the "Be Heard" grassroots link on the ICBA website at www.icba.org.