Advocacy in action blog

NAIFA Trustee Christopher Gandy, LACP, loyal member since 2003 and Founder of Midwest Legacy Group, is participating in a panel discussion at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) 2022 Insurance Summit. The session, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Producer Licensing,” is exploring how regulators and the insurance industry are addressing DEI issues in the distribution of insurance through pre-licensing and licensing exam procedures.

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance announced earlier this year that the state insurance licensing exam will now be offered in Spanish. NAIFA's Massachusetts chapter has been working with the Division of Insurance on this initiative and advocated for its adoption.

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux is a contributing author of an article in the publication Real Clear Policy arguing in favor of federal legislation allowing remote online notarization (RON). NAIFA has been a strong proponent of RON and urged passage of the SECURE Notarization Act because it would set a national standard and be a great benefit to NAIFA members and their clients who routinely complete financial transactions that require notarized documents.

NAIFA-UT recently took advantage of the August Congressional recess to hold a very successful Legislative Day. More than 50 NAIFA members were in attendance along with Representatives Burgess Owens, Chris Stewart, and Blake Moore. Also attending was a staff member from Senator Mike Lee’s office. Representative John Curtis had a prior commitment but addressed the audience via video.

When Congress is in recess, like it is right now, NAIFA's grassroots advocacy actually picks up. NAIFA members across the country are meeting with their Representatives and Senators in their home districts this August.

NAIFA's yearlong grassroots strategy encourages multiple in-person connections with lawmakers, including at NAIFA's May Congressional Conference, in-person meetings during the August recess, a day on the Hill during NAIFA's fall/winter National Leadership Conference, and at community and fundraising events throughout the year.

NAIFA-MA is celebrating a major advocacy win after a very close call. During the last three days of the legislative session which concluded July 31, the General Court introduced H. 5123 which would have implemented a two-year pilot program to extend eligibility for premium assistance payments on point of service cost-sharing subsidies for certain health insurance applicants. In short, this legislation would have implemented a pilot single-payer health coverage program, thus having a catastrophic impact on employer-sponsored health plans.

John D. Richardson, RICP, LACP, loyal NAIFA member since 2003, was recently elected to serve on the Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee for Senate District 21.

Richardson's leadership and professional success have been noteworthy throughout his tenure as a NAIFA member. After graduating from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in Spanish, he began his career as an advisor in 2005. Today he is a Financial Planner and Partner with Boundbrook Advisors (MassMutual), a firm he co-founded in Brentwood, TN. 

NAIFA and other trade associations have sent a letter to influential members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee expressing concerns with the discussion draft of the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, which is a national uniform privacy law proposal.

NAIFA supports federal laws and regulations protecting the confidentiality of personal information and believes policy at the federal level will help avoid problems a variety of confusing and potentially contradictory state laws would cause. NAIFA members provide financial products, services, and advice to Main Street American families and businesses. Their clients entrust them with sensitive personal information, so it is among the highest priorities for our industry that we keep that information secure.

Whether you're new to political advocacy or a grassroots leader, NAIFA's Get Out the Vote is a great resource for everything you need to know about NAIFA's political advocacy. Find information on polling dates and locations, ballot measures, and your elected officials. Brush up on Government 101 or find the text of individual bills—this site has useful information for everyone.

NAIFA Invites Women and Hispanic Agents and Advisors to Two New Programs in August

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has announced the addition of two programs that will run on Tuesday, August 16^th pre-conference to its upcoming Apex event being held in Phoenix, Arizona. The sessions focus on raising awareness for state, interstate, and federal advocacy and stress the importance of financial advisors to get involved, starting with voting, in the political process.