Pelican remains deeply committed to advocating for the people and communities we serve across Louisiana. Each year, we take an active role in supporting legislation that improves financial well being and strengthens protections for our members. This year’s legislative session was no exception.

During the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session, Pelican proudly supported and testified on several bills aimed at making a meaningful difference. These efforts included legislation that enables schools to partner with financial institutions to establish student run branches. These partnerships offer an innovative approach to expanding financial education and empowering the next generation with real world money management skills.

We also championed bills focused on reducing elder fraud and enhancing the ability of financial institutions to better protect members from financial exploitation. These initiatives are critical to ensuring that some of our most vulnerable populations are safeguarded from increasingly complex financial threats.

In addition to our advocacy work, Pelican representatives participated in Louisiana Credit Union Day at the Capitol. This event provided an opportunity to connect directly with state legislators, share our organizational priorities, and observe committee meetings in action. Building these relationships helps ensure that Pelican’s voice, and the voices of our members, are heard where it matters most.

At Pelican, advocacy isn’t just an initiative, it’s a responsibility. We are proud to stand up for policies that support financial access, education, and protection for Louisiana citizens.






What is a Credit Union?
Unlike banks, credit unions are not-for-profit and member-owned. This means that any money we make is passed on to our members in the form of better rates, higher dividends, and improved products and services. When you open a primary share with Pelican, you're required to keep a minimum of $5 in it. This represents your share of the credit union and allows you to vote on important issues, such as the election of member representatives to serve on the board of directors.

What is the Purpose of Credit Union?
Credit unions were created to promote thrift and provide credit to members. In fact, many credit unions were started by people of ordinary means who couldn't get approved by their local bank! Credit unions also work together to do good in the communities they serve. 

Why are Credit Unions Tax Exempt?
In short, credit unions are tax exempt because they are not-for-profit, a lot like churches. We don't exist to profit off of our members. We continue to serve all of our members, including low-income consumers who are often neglected by traditional financial institutions or targeted by predatory lenders.

In fact, because of our dedication to our members and their individual situations, Pelican has been recognized as a Low-Income Designated Credit Union (LID) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Why Is It Important that Credit Unions Remain Tax Exempt?
A tax on credit unions is not just a tax on a not-for-profit business—it’s also a tax on over 100 million credit union members across America. The tax exempt status for credit unions is not a benefit to the company, it’s a benefit that credit union members get to enjoy—to the tune of almost $10 billion each year.

Don’t forget—credit unions are still participants in a very competitive financial services market. Credit unions and small, local community banks are competing against large national for-profit banks and other financial service chains. By eliminating the tax status, many credit unions and community banks would be forced out of the market and others will be unable to offer competitive rates and serve those that are unbanked.

If credit unions are taxed, there would be no incentive for them to remain not-for-profit. Smaller credit unions would be unable to stay afloat and serve their members and would likely disband, causing people across the country to lose the only sector of the financial industry not driven by profit.

Does Pelican Pay Any Taxes?
While we may be tax exempt, we DO pay taxes. We pay property taxes, tangible personal property taxes, payroll taxes and more to the government. As Louisiana’s largest state-chartered credit union, we also pay unrelated business income tax. Not only do we pay taxes, but members like you also pay taxes on the interest your accounts earn.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding credit unions' tax exempt status. We're more than happy to help answer them for you!