Advocacy In Action
MBA's Public Policy team is actively engaged in the current issues facing the Maryland banking industry. We meet with state legislators, industry regulators and public policy makers on a frequent basis. We also represent our member banks by serving on legislative workgroups and task forces as new policies are being formulated.
Click on the links below for valuable information on the prevailing issues affecting Maryland banks.
- 2008 Sine Die Legislative Bulletin
- MBA Delinquency Fact Sheet (4Q 2007)
- 2007 Special Session Summary
- Tax Study Report
- Maryland Homeownership Data
- Proposed IOLTA Comparability Rule
MBA meets with policy makers and stakeholders on a frequent basis, keeping them informed of our members' concerns and staying current on proposed laws and regulations. The influence of Maryland's bankers on national policy is especially strong, owing to MBA's proximity to the nation's capital, and because members of Maryland's congressional delegation serve on key committees that consider banking issues.
To help federal lawmakers and regulators understand the effect of legislation on the financial industry in Maryland, the MBA schedules meetings in Washington, D.C. where bankers from throughout the state share their views and concerns with key policymakers in the federal government.
In Annapolis, MBA's advocacy team has developed productive working relationships with members of the General Assembly to successfully manage issues during the annual legislative session. Bankers are encouraged to get involved through meetings with legislators through events such as the Legislative Dinner and annual MBA Day in Annapolis.
To learn more about our State Senators and Representatives and to see which committees they serve on, f ollow this link to the 2008 Maryland General Assembly Roster and List of Committees.
Achieves Positive Change and Stays Negative Impact
MBA's Government Relations Council establishes positions on issues and pending legislation by studying hundreds of proposed bills each year. Once the bills are reviewed, the Council then closely monitors those pieces of legislation, which impact the industry to see that favorable bills are passed and negative bills are amended or stopped.
MBA provides Members Only web access to frequent bulletins during the Mayland General Assembly session to keep members informed on the status of proposed legislation, as well as a Legislative Summary Report after the conclusion of each session.
Represents Maryland's Banking Interests
MBA represents Maryland bankers before legislative, regulatory, and judicial panels. Amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs are prepared by MBA's legal counsel and filed on behalf of the Maryland banking industry. These briefs are formal position statements on court cases or lawsuits affecting Maryland banks.
Sponsors Maryland BankPAC
In addition to its legislative efforts, MBA sponsors the Maryland Bankers Political Action Committee (Maryland BankPAC) to help elect candidates who are supportive of the banking industry to State and Congressional offices.
Appointed by MBA's Chairman and customarily chaired by the Chairman-Elect, the committee represents a cross-section of the State's banking community. Maryland BankPAC raises funds from financial institutions and their individual officers and directors, and makes campaign contributions through both a State and a federal PAC.
