Florida Banking October 2023

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

GEARING UP FOR THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

BY JOSE CUETO, FBA CHAIR

T he 2024 Legislative Session convenes on January 9. Our industry faced a lot of heat during the 2023 Session, so we need to be ready. While the FBA’s experienced lobbyists will be advocating for our industry at the Capitol, every banker has a role to play in advancing beneficial legislation. The FBA’s legislative priorities are largely determined by its member banks and trust companies, so now is the time to get involved. As we prepare for Session, here are ways you can take action to support your association’s advocacy efforts: Speak up about your legislative concerns and priorities. The FBA’s Government Relations team works alongside its Government Relations Council (GRC) to set a legislative agenda. The GRC is made up of banks of different sizes from around Florida. Heading into Session, this council discusses legislative and regulatory issues with the FBA board and makes recommendations on how to proceed. The FBA wants to know about the challenges our banks and trust companies are facing. You can help form the FBA’s agenda by speaking up about relevant issues, whether through the GRC or by reaching out to a member of the Government Relations team directly. In turn, the FBA advocates for the industry and educates policymakers about how potential legislation impacts banks and the broader community. Attend events like Capitol Day & Night to network with legislators and decision-makers. Not every banker can join us on fly-ins to Washington, D.C., which is why the FBA hosts a variety of advocacy and leadership events across the state to give bankers access to legislators and policymakers. Last month, the FBA hosted leadership

events in Tampa and Miami for FDIC Vice Chair Travis Hill and FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg. It is so important that we stay in communication with our banking regulators. Our recent DC trip in partnership with the California Bankers Association gave us the opportunity to meet with legislators on both sides of the political aisle and discuss issues like interchange, cannabis banking, credit union taxation, and ESG. This month, the FBA hosts a dinner for Congressman Byron Donalds. Attending events like this is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening on the legislative front.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Capitol Day & Night on January 24. This annual event gives Florida bankers the chance to participate in Session by spending the day at the Capitol discussing banking and economic issues with legislators. The day ends with a networking dinner at FBA’s headquarters.

“WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THE BANKING INDUSTRY DURING SESSION.”

Reach out to your elected officials. When legislative or regulatory issues arise that require our immediate attention, a Call-to-Action may be issued via email asking you to reach out to your elected officials. Hearing directly from their constituents can help policymakers make informed decisions about the issues at hand. The voices of many are louder than the voice of one. We are impossible to ignore when our phone calls are received in significant numbers from across the state. We have an opportunity to support the banking industry during Session. Take action by communicating the challenges faced by your bank or local community, by attending leadership events, and by answering FBA’s Calls-to-Action. I hope to see you in the new year at Capitol Day & Night. You can register online at www. floridabankers.com.

4 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING