Talk to and Support Your Legislators

I recently attended the Professional Insurance Agents of Florida’s “Legislative Day 2005” in Tallahassee, and March 17 I’ll attend the Alabama Independent Insurance Agent’s 18th Annual Legislative Conference in Birmingham.

I learned a lot at PIA of Florida’s event, as I suspect did everyone in attendance–perhaps there is even a more urgent message for those who didn’t attend.

Speakers included PIA of Florida’s lobbyist Ron Villella, who introduced key Florida legislators–Speaker of the House Allan Bense (R-Panama City), Rep. Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park), Rep. Frank Farkas (R-St. Petersburg) and Rep. Jim Kane (R-Jacksonville). (see story page 8)

Looking around the room and noting fewer than 100 people, the legislators chastised the industry for being complacent. They criticized the industry for not caring enough or recognizing the importance of Legislative Day. They commented that they expected to see many more people attend the meeting.

The legislators praised Villella for doing an excellent job in letting them know what was going on in the insurance industry and its concerns, but said if a lobbyist called and a constituent called, they would listen to the voter sooner than they would the lobbyist.

Although the legislators attending the event spoke at different times and didn’t stick around long enough to hear other presentations, they presented a unified front. They said the only way for the insurance industry to avoid being chastised by the legislature is to become active on a local level in political causes, at which time they could also voice their opinions to the candidates they support.

The first way to do this, they suggested, is for local agents to contribute to get friendly legislators elected to office. In any given year numerous political positions become available, and they said the industry should actively nominate and support someone they trust in those positions.

They also said it is essential for the industry to support legislators who are in office by donating to their war-chests–but they emphasized that while they would like to have money, there were several other ways to lend support.

All politicians speaking at the meetings agreed that legislators and local government officials recognize it when they receive support from their constituents. This could be as simple as helping out with routine political tasks, like stuffing envelopes, answering the telephone at their offices and a myriad of other volunteer jobs–even standing on a busy street corner or intersection waving signs asking voters to support a candidate.

What more of a wakeup call could the industry ask for? It’s urgent for everyone to become involved. Take 10 minutes every week or two to call your legislator and voice your concerns–and don’t forget to help out in his office. As one legislator said, “Either you do something, or someone will do something to you.”

Topics Florida Legislation