Credit unions are necessary for Iowans

The Legislature is about to convene for another year in Iowa, and like clockwork, the bankers come out in full force attacking local credit unions.

In a Dec. 11 guest column, Charlie Funk asked us to think about what credit unions mean to Iowa. Well to this Iowan, credit unions mean far better mortgage and savings rates than I was able to secure over banks in the area, because those banks care about profit and my credit union does not.

If Charlie is truly concerned with a 'level playing field,” I suggest he direct his vitriol at an actual problem: For-profit companies - some not even in Iowa - getting $42 million in refund checks on $0 in income tax paid because of Iowa's research activities tax credit, according to the Iowa Policy Project.

Mike Schluckebier

Iowa City