NAIFA and the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) often work together to advocate for the industry, producers, and consumers in every part of the country. Their enduring cooperation and partnership take on great significance at the state level, where NAIFA is the only advocacy association of agents and advisors with a strong grassroots influence in all 50 state capitals.
When there is policy gridlock in Washington, D.C., activity in the states often picks up. It's important for NAIFA and ACLI to remain vigilant in their advocacy partnership working with and influencing state governments. With chapters and politically involved members in every state, NAIFA is well-suited to the task.
"The fact that NAIFA has agents in all 50 states and so many communities and has lifetime relationships with those that are getting elected to office really is a powerful resource for us to engage in an effective way," said ACLI President and CEO Susan Neely.
It is important to be engaged everywhere because bad policy can start in one state and promulgate throughout the country. Good policy can do the same, The best example is the adoption of the NAIC's model rule for annuity transactions by 39 states (and counting) across the country. NAIFA and ACLI have worked hard to promote the standard - which requires producers to work in their annuity clients' best interests but preserves their ability to serve Main Street consumers - and aim to see it adopted in all 50 states.
"We've been able to do that together in a really short period of time," said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux. "It's absolutely impressive and I think that talks about the power of collaboration and partnership."