Apr 25, 2017

PIA lobbies Congress at FLS

Hundreds of PIA members from around the nation participated in the 2017 PIA National Federal Legislative Summit April 5-6, 2017, in Washington, D.C. The members visited the offices of their members of Congress to let them know firsthand what effects proposed legislation will have on their businesses and insurance consumers.

PIA volunteers from New Jersey included: PIANJ President-elect Kacy Campion Renna, CIC; Vice Presidents Bruce Blum and Rip Bush, CPIA; Treasurer Steven Radespiel; PIA National Director Keith A. Savino, CPIA; Directors Andrew Harris Jr., CIC, AAI, and Esther Tanez, CPIA; past presidents Glen Tippy, CPCU, CLU, and William R. Vowteras, CPIA; NJYIP past President Casey Yarger; and PIANJ Government Affairs Counsel Brad Lachut, Esq.

The delegates discussed issues ranging from flood insurance, to health care, to state regulation of insurance. PIA members advocated for the long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program and reminded New York officials of the important role the agent plays in the NFIP and the damaging impact cutting agent compensation would have on the program.

Members reminded federal policymakers of the damaging effect the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s "Cadillac tax" would have on the health coverage, as well as the vital role agents play in ensuring health-insurance purchasers find appropriate coverage.

PIA members spoke of their opposition to any pre-emption by a federal insurance regulator or federal pre-emption of state insurance oversight. Members stressed the importance of keeping insurance regulation on the state level.

A full write up of the event will be featured in the June issue of PIA magazine.