— Josh Hogue, Immediate Past Chairman of ICBSD & ICBA Federal Delegate, President, Reliabank Dakota
Years of persistent advocacy, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our customers have led to a remarkable milestone: the inclusion of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act in the current federal tax package that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
This progress didn’t happen overnight—and it didn’t happen by accident. It’s the direct result of tireless work by ICBA, supported by the unified voices of community bankers across the country, including right here in South Dakota.
We’ve worked through multiple versions of this legislation over the years, refining and strengthening it with each draft. Now, we’re finally seeing momentum—and that’s something worth celebrating. ACRE is more than just another bill; it’s a tool that will allow community banks to better serve their agricultural customers through real, tangible tax savings.
A Competitive Advantage for Ag Lending
ACRE levels the playing field. By addressing long-standing disparities between community banks and their tax-exempt counterparts, this bill allows us to remain competitive—especially in the ag lending space.
What does this mean on the ground? Simply put: lower interest rates for our farmers and ranchers. That could be the difference between launching a new operation or shutting one down, especially for beginning farmers or those transitioning the family farm from one generation to the next.
These are the folks who embody the future of South Dakota agriculture, and with ACRE, we’re better equipped to support their success. We’re not just talking about numbers on a balance sheet—we’re talking about families, livelihoods, and the long-term viability of rural communities.
Real Advocacy, Real Results
ACRE’s inclusion in this tax package is more than a policy win. It’s proof that when community bankers speak up, Congress listens.
Too often, it can feel like our voices get lost in Washington, D.C.—but this is a reminder that our message does matter. That our emails, our phone calls, our visits to the Hill—they make a difference. Real change is possible when we come together to advocate for what’s right for our banks and our customers.
As community bankers, we’re not just in the business of making loans—we’re in the business of building futures. ACRE empowers us to continue doing just that, reinforcing our mission to serve, strengthen, and support the people and places that define South Dakota.
Let this moment serve as a call to action: keep engaging, keep advocating, and keep believing that your efforts—no matter how small they may seem—have the power to shape policy and improve lives.