Insurance and financial advisors from states across the country visited Capitol Hill on May 24 for meetings with more than 325 congressional offices, including lawmakers and senior staff. The day on the Hill is the highlight of Day 2 of NAIFA’s annual Congressional Conference.

American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) South Carolina President Johnny Craven issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by Acting Director Michael Wise and the South Carolina Department of Insurance:

Selected advocates from NAIFA-CA’s grassroots network have reached out to influential members of the California Senate Appropriations Committee to urge the defeat of SB927 in the committee. The legislation would require insurance professionals and companies to provide confusing and costly disclosures that have no practical benefit for consumers. It would also result in increased litigation and higher costs for California consumers. Previously, NAIFA and coalition partners including the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies (ACLHIC) offered amendments that would address many of the bill’s unworkable provisions.

NAIFA Trustee Aprilyn Chavez Geissler, LACP, loyal member since 2005, says that insurance and financial professionals offer an important perspective on how legislative decisions affect Main Street Americans and their communities. NAIFA's Congressional Conference, May 23-24 in Washington, D.C., is a great opportunity for agents and advisors to talk with lawmakers about issues important to their clients and communities.

NAIFA-TN is celebrating the recent signing of HB 2225 into law. Sponsored by Representative Dennis Powers and NAIFA-Tennessee member Senator Mark Pody, this bill limits the lookback of misdemeanors or Class E felonies to 10 years for insurance agent applicants. Class E felonies are often associated with low-quantity marijuana possession charges. In recent years, as many states have taken steps toward legalization, there are efforts to expunge or reconsider these types of crimes, which were disproportionately charged against minorities and people of color. HB 2225 is a step towards removing this barrier of entry into the insurance industry.

NAIFA-Greater Washington, D.C., member and Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year Brian Haney, CLTC, CFS, CFBS, CIS, LACP, CAE, provides his insights on NAIFA's Congressional Conference and how you don't have to be an experienced advocate to make difference. While Haney grew up in the D.C. area, our elected officials are interested in hearing the Main Street stories of insurance and financial professionals from around the country. Lend your voice by joining us May 23-24 at NAIFA's Congressional Conference.

The advocacy work of NAIFA-KY was highly influential in the late revision of tax reform legislation in the state that would have placed a 6% tax on financial planning and investment management services. This tax would have impacted many investors in Kentucky and the financial professionals they rely on for advice and services. NAIFA Trustee Brian Wilson offers his perspective on why this advocacy win and all of NAIFA's state advocacy efforts are so important.

Legislation signed into law by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers greatly enhances protections for consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities. The law was proposed by Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) and Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca). Wisconsin is the 23rd state that as part of a nationwide, bipartisan effort has adopted measures implementing the "best interest of consumer enhancements" in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation.  The new laws and regulations also align with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) former president and NAIFA-MD member Paul Dougherty, and The League of Life and Health Insurers of Maryland Executive Director Matthew Celentano issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Maryland Insurance Administration:

NAIFA’s annual Congressional Conference is crucial to our grassroots advocacy strategy. The event brings NAIFA members together as a critical mass to advocate on behalf of their businesses, clients, consumers, and the insurance and financial services industry. It provides targeted advocacy training with briefings on specific legislative issues, best practices for conducting congressional meetings, and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.

Bryon Holz, NAIFA President-Elect, urges every producer in financial services and insurance to attend this year's Congressional Conference to be an advocate for your Main Street USA clients.

Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!