Pub. 12 2017-2018 Issue 6

WWW.NEBANKERS.ORG 8 WASHINGTON UPDATE G O VOTE. EVERY ELECTION WE HEAR ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE of voting. And it is extremely important. But as an industry that touches every community in America, I’d argue that bankers need to do more than just vote; we must be politically engaged year-round, in both even- and odd-numbered years. Political engagement means so much more than just voting or giving to campaigns, though both are important ways tomake your voice heard. Political engagement is a holistic approach that, when executed appropriately and thoughtfully, canmake a big difference both inside and outsides the walls of government. ABA, state bankers associations, andourmembers have helped build and defend the foundation of the American economy for nearly 150 years. Now we’re bringing our all-American values to the halls of Congress, standing with candidates and legislators of both parties that appreciate the critical role banks play in the economy. Political engagement is about doing our part to keep the American dream within reach for bank customers, clients, and communities. Torecognizeandelevate the importanceof political engagement, both as anorganization andonbehalf of bankers everywhere, ABA has fully integrated our BankPac, grassroots, independent expen- diture, and voter education efforts to speak with one voice under the ABA brand. To that end, we are: • Launching a voter education effort―the ABA Voter Edu- cation Fund—to grow our political profile by engaging Rob Engstrom, Chief Political Strategist, American Bankers Association