Advocacy in action blog

Last month, NAIFA-NC signed up 10 new contributors to NAIFA's political action committee, IFAPAC, in one day. Congratulations to these individuals who joined the ranks of NAIFA members working together to advocate for the individuals, families, and small businesses that make up Main Street USA, and a special thank you to NAIFA-NC IFAPAC Chair Elie Aharon, LACP, LUTCF.

NAIFA applauds the leadership of Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH) on the relaunch of the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus for the 118th Congress. The Congresswomen are an excellent duo to co-chair this bipartisan group of legislators committed to empowering Americans with the tools needed to build wealth and achieve financial stability.

NAIFA is celebrating a major legislative win out of Idaho. On March 20, 2023, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed H. 92 into law, making Idaho the 18^th state to adopt financial literacy coursework as a requirement for high school graduation. The bill passed the Idaho House of Representatives 67-0-3 and the Idaho Senate 34-0-1.

Tennessee House Bill 1173 would have permitted funeral directors in some cases to obtain life insurance information – including the names of beneficiaries and policy benefits amounts – from insurance companies or agents. However, thanks to quick action by NAIFA-TN's grassroots and advocacy team, the House Insurance Subcommittee defeated the bill.

NAIFA's California chapter is holding its annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on March 29. The event will feature visits with lawmakers by NAIFA-CA members, during which they will discuss SB 263, a legislative proposal that in its current form would harm the ability of insurance agents and brokers to serve the public. 

Congress, with strong bipartisan support, passed the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act more than eight years ago. The law would significantly streamline the process for insurance agents and brokers to be licensed in more than one state. This would obviously benefit producers by reducing red tape and regulatory costs, but it would also be a boon to consumers by promoting choice and fostering economic growth.

NAIFA is the only association for insurance and financial professionals with a strong political advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and every state capital. Around the country, 32 NAIFA state chapters are holding Legislative Days during the first quarter of 2023.

NAIFA Policy Director Maeghan Gale testified to Washington state lawmakers that ample private-sector options are available for employers who want to set up retirement plans for their workers or for employees who want to prepare for retirement on their own. Washington lawmakers are considering a feasibility study for a potential state-facilitated Auto-IRA program.

NAIFA's "State of Advocacy" report details NAIFA's federal, state, and interstate advocacy efforts in 2022 in facts and figures. It also runs down the major policy issues impacting agents and advisors as well as the Main Street consumers they serve.

NAIFA's "State of Advocacy" provides a snapshot of how NAIFA and NAIFA members are making a difference and influencing the decisions that affect Americans' financial security. 

NAIFA-CO leaders and members came together February 15 to meet with lawmakers on the chapter's annual Legislative Day. Members shared their insights with legislators and officials, including Securities Commissioner Tung Chan and Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. Central among the topics discussed was HB23-1174, which would create guaranteed replacement cost coverage in homeowner's insurance, and its implications for Coloradoans.