Agents Will Blossom in Washington

They will descend on Washington, D.C. from all corners of the country.

No, not John Kerry’s supporters or those looking to oust the current President, but independent insurance agents, who will gather for the the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America 28th Annual National Legislative Conference, set for April 21-23 at the Capital Hilton.

The event, which always features leading national decision-makers, will bring hundreds of independent agents and brokers to the nation’s capital to meet with their elected representatives at the conference and in visits to Capitol Hill offices. The conference provides an opportunity for agents and brokers to discuss important issues with their congressional representatives.

Top issues this year include regulatory modernization, tort reform, passage of a flood insurance reform bill, and changes in the tax treatment of intangible assets. Highlights of the National Legislative Conference will include an in-depth issues briefing session; the annual IIABA congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues confronting lawmakers as well as agents and brokers in Washington, D.C.; and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between IIABA agents and brokers and lawmakers.

Having grown up on the East Coast, trips to Washington, D.C. were not uncommon for me in my youth. The Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and more still never cease to amaze me.

I covered the NLC for the first time last spring and found it to be productive. Tagging along with some California agents up to Capitol Hill, I got a greater appreciation for what happens on a daily basis in this city.

While the Congress and Senate may be hundreds or thousands of miles away from their districts, legislators still know that at the end of the day, their responsibilities rest at home. This group wants one thing, this association wants another thing, and so it goes. What independent agents want is a voice in Washington, D.C. that will support them in everything from needed reforms to how they’re taxed in their daily business. Lip service may be an option for some, but agents want results just as their policyholders do, and hopefully lawmakers will open their doors and arms to this year’s crop of agents.

Along with the awesome scenery and history that this city offers visitors, agents take away from Washington the knowledge that their time has been well spent. If not, they will have only themselves to blame.

Take advantage of the ears that will turn your way for a few days this week and let your elected officials hear you.

We hope you like your Insurance Journal-Southeast issue, and we’ll talk to you soon.

Topics Agencies Legislation Washington