Last week, local credit union leaders gathered at the headquarters of Pacific Service Credit Union for a meeting with California Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias.
The assemblymember is a proud member of Patelco Credit Union and shared insights into her legislative approach and deep commitment to serving one of California’s most diverse districts. With a professional background rooted in affordable housing, she emphasized that her work is guided by practical outcomes rather than partisanship.
“It’s not about partisan issues; it’s about what lands well for the state of California,” Farias said, underscoring her reputation as a pragmatic legislator who is focused on results.
Hosted by California’s Credit Unions, the meeting served as an opportunity for credit union executives to connect with Farias on a personal level, reinforcing the people-helping-people philosophy that defines the industry.
“Assemblymember Farias has shown a keen interest in the economic wellbeing of her constituents, many of whom are credit union members,” said Angelica Pappalardo, political advocacy manager for California’s Credit Unions. “Our discussion was about showing our support for leaders who value the essential services credit unions provide.”
Since taking office, Farias has raised more than $150,000 to support her community through initiatives like harvest festivals, food distributions totaling $100,000 in meals, turkey giveaways, holiday toy drives, and youth empowerment events focused on leadership and career pathways. Building on this impact, she expressed strong interest in partnering with credit unions on future events in the district to expand these efforts, increase visibility, and ensure credit unions are recognized as trusted, valuable resources for the communities they serve.
A key theme of the discussion was affordability and financial stability. Farias pointed to the growing need for credit repair resources in her district and encouraged credit unions to play a proactive role in helping individuals rebuild their financial footing. This call to action strongly aligns with the credit union mission.
Looking ahead, the assemblymember expressed strong interest in partnering with credit unions on a “Bite of Reality” financial education event, reinforcing her passion for equipping communities, especially young people, with the tools they need to succeed.
The event showcased the shared values between credit unions and policymakers like Farias: collaboration, community investment, and a commitment to improving financial wellbeing across California. Farias expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn more about the specific needs and contributions of the credit unions in her district — highlighting a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive economy for Californians.
California’s Credit Unions would like to thank every leader in attendance — and especially Pacific Service Credit Union for hosting — including:
Overall, the important role that PAC (Political Action Committee) involvement plays in the credit union advocacy ecosystem cannot be understated. By supporting candidates who understand the member-owned, not-for-profit financial model, credit unions have a seat at the table when the future of California’s financial landscape is being shaped.
You can get involved in strengthening relationships with key legislators by taking a look at the State PAC Fundraising Calendar here and emailing Angelica Pappalardo with any questions.
