Get Involved with NBA Government Relations Activities

“Bankers spend a lot of time mitigating risk, managing risk. And sometimes I tell people we forget about the risk of the stroke of pen in Washington and Lincoln. It's critical that our bankers are involved all the time.”
 - Sen. Matt Williams, NBA Past Chair

The three bankers in the legislature, NBA past Chairs, Sen. John Stinner (Gering) and Sen. Matt Williams (Gothenburg), as well as Sen. Rob Clements (Elmwood), shared their perspectives in a new NBA video. They discussed the importance of banker involvement in government relations activities and shared ways bankers can make a difference.
 
The three Senators were also part of a panel at the NBA State Government Relations Forum last week. They again highlighted ways to get involved, including building relationships with your Senator, hosting candidates and elected officials at your bank, participating in candidate fundraisers and contributing to NBA BankPAC.
 
They discussed current activities in the legislature, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the state budget and the impact of term limits. Also noted: Bill Marienau, the legislative counsel for the legislature’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, is retiring after 35 years.
 
Sen. Williams also shared advice for bankers considering running for the legislature. He noted problem-solving abilities were important, as well as working with with the legislative body as a whole since the Unicameral works best when it is a non-partisan body. He noted that due to term limits, currently legislative staff have historical knowledge to help Senators better understand issues, but he also noted that three terms would be beneficial.