Looking back on 2025, we have advocacy successes to celebrate. From tax reform and the ACRE tax deduction for interest earned on agricultural real estate loans to President Donald Trump signing into law legislation to bar credit reporting agencies from selling “trigger leads” when consumers apply for a residential mortgage, we have seen developments that signal a deeper understanding of the role community banks play. We’ve also witnessed a rising awareness of the ways community banks differ from other financial institutions. Rule writing that promotes a more level playing field has begun to emerge, and reforms at the banking agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are more accurately addressing the unique role community banks play in the financial services ecosystem. These and other wins mean our message is resonating in Washington and beyond. But we are far from done. FLOURISH MARCHING INTO 2026 ON THE ADVOCACY FRONTLINE By REBECA ROMERO RAINEY, President and CEO, ICBA 4 NEBRASKA INDEPENDENT BANKER
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