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 Connecticut included: PIA National Director and PIACT past President Timothy G. Russell, CPCU; PIACT past Presidents Jonathan Black, LUTCF, CPIA, CLTC, and James Pascarella, CPCU; PIACT-YIP President Nick Khamarji Jr.; and PIACT Government Affairs Counsel Sarah Coli, 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 explained to Connecticut officials the important role that agents play 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 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.