Government Overreach Triggers KBA’s Formation of Free Market Kansans ushing back on BIG GOVERNMENT policymakers intent on placing new burdens and/or restrictions on the banking industry continues to consume more and more time for KBA’s Leadership and Government Relations staff team. The list of harmful proposals coming out of Washington, D.C., since 2020 is daunting, ranging from the CFPB’s 1071 small business reporting rule to restrictions on bank service fee income, such as overdraft protection, to mandates impacting how banks provide and cover costs associated with their credit card programs. This is just a small sampling of proposals that will directly and negatively impact the banking industry if the BIG GOVERNMENT advocates win. But it’s not just banks that will lose income, lose options and lose control if these measures are adopted. Consumers will lose, too! I’m closing in on my 20th year as a member of the KBA staff team, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned traversing the state and calling on banks from St. Francis to Baxter Springs and from Wathena to Syracuse, it’s that Kansas banks genuinely care about and look out for their customers. Every time I sit across from the desk of a Kansas banker, I hear success stories of individuals and businesses in their communities or about the latest community development project the bank is helping to spearhead. These visits confirm the close working relationship between Kansas bankers and their customers. Whether it’s keeping an eye out for the latest consumer fraud tactic, encouraging a family-owned business or farm to plan P By Doug Wareham, KBA President & CEO PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6
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