I firmly believe churches are one of the last places where you can talk to an octogenarian and hold a baby in the same day. The church I’ve pastored for the last 41 years, Graham Memorial, has people of all ages in our congregation. Our members live across the Denver area, but something I’ve heard from many this past year is how expensive Denver is getting. Many are relying on coupons, credit card points and savings to make ends meet this Christmas. That’s what makes a new piece of legislation in Washington, D.C., so worrisome to me. Its name is the “Credit Card Competition Act” and it could end the revenue banks and credit unions need to fund credit card rewards programs.

Americans across the country rely on credit card rewards. Many, in fact, use them to travel. A free night in a hotel thanks to saved up points can make a world of difference when budgeting for a long-awaited family reunion. I know people who still haven’t seen family since the pandemic due to the high cost of travel and everyday expenses, and they are saving up points and cash to make those visits happen soon. But this bill could be the end of travel credit card points.

The tourism industry is especially concerned about points disappearing. Its unions are speaking out against the bill and warning the loss of airline miles and points will cause people to have to cut back on travel. Both the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers are opposed to this bill.

Union jobs are of huge importance to my community. They mean a more stable paycheck and benefits. They also mean support when dealing with a difficult supervisor. Workers at the Denver International Airport are one group that will suffer if travel drops off. Think of all the diverse employees it takes to make air travel work: luggage handlers, security workers, coffee shop workers, flight attendants and more. We saw how tourism-reliant industries suffered when travel halted during the pandemic. It’s returning in full force, making up for lost time, but can’t afford a setback like the end of travel points.

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Families in my congregation also can’t afford to lose the ability to earn credit card points right now. Rents continue to rise across Denver. I’m excited so many people are discovering all Colorado has to offer, but it’s made it harder for long-time residents to afford to stay in the city. Utilities are also up. We all know what the prices at the grocery store look like. If this bill becomes law, it will take away a resource families use to pay for things they need, as well as the joys in life like traveling to see family.

This bill will also hurt Denver’s local banks and credit unions. Right now they are able to use revenue from their members’ credit card purchases to support the services they offer our community, like loans and checking accounts. When a similar bill hit the debit card market, many banks were forced to end free checking accounts. Access to banking is necessary in today’s economy, and we shouldn’t do anything to put that at risk. We also can’t afford to cut off access to loans.

I’m asking everyone I know to speak out against this bill. U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper need to be aware of the long-term effects of this bill. Ending credit card point programs will hurt Colorado families and anyone who works in the travel industry. I’m proud to stand with my brothers and sisters in labor, and our leaders need to do the same.

Rev. Demmer is pastor of Graham Memorial Community Church of God in Christ in Commerce City, and a civil rights activist.