ICBA’s new policy agenda seeks broad economic prosperity

By Rebeca Romero Rainey

Community banks operate with a commitment to ensuring economic prosperity spreads through every local community—one loan, one consumer at a time—and our policy positions are no different.

Our dedication to bipartisan economic principles that expand access to financial services shines through in ICBA’s new policy platform: “Community Focus 2020: The Community Bank Agenda for Expanding Economic Opportunity.”

This multipronged agenda, which will be the focal point of ICBA policy outreach in the coming months and during the 116^th Congress, advocates common-sense reforms that will extend the nation’s economic growth to every corner of our country.

Developed by community bankers in coordination with ICBA staff, the plan includes specific policy recommendations to spur job creation and foster innovation nationwide. For instance, Community Focus 2020 supports a more efficient system of regulation, a level regulatory and competitive playing field, a safer and more secure business environment, and more effective agriculture policies.

In short, Community Focus 2020 offers a comprehensive plan to help every American in every community—whether urban, suburban, or rural—join in the nation’s economic prosperity. I hope community bankers from coast to coast will join us in advocating these important policy goals and advancing them in Congress and at the regulatory agencies.

By working together and wielding our collective strength, we can ensure our nation continues to thrive, one community, one consumer, at a time.

Rebeca Romero Rainey is president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America.