NAIFA members across the country during August and early September met face-to-face with lawmakers in their home districts to ensure the voices of Main Street Americans are represented in critical policy conversations. These in-district visits are a cornerstone of NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy, strengthening relationships with legislators while highlighting the essential role financial professionals play in helping families and businesses achieve financial security.
In Nebraska, NAIFA members met with Rep. Don Bacon to discuss the needs of their clients and communities. Participants included Cally Ideus, Mike Struebing, Mike Herring, Dustin Will, Greg Osborn, and Faye Osborn. Their conversation reinforced the importance of protecting policies that allow financial professionals to continue serving individuals and small businesses effectively.
Members also gathered at a local BBQ restaurant in Indiana where Rep. Houchin and Rep. Jordan spent time with NAIFA member Larry Ricke and his wife Ann. This informal setting provided a unique opportunity to connect on a personal level while underscoring the challenges and opportunities facing Main Street families.
In Oklahoma, NAIFA members met with Rep. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Kevin Hern to advance the dialogue on legislative priorities impacting the profession. Charlie Potts and Rob Erwin represented NAIFA members during these discussions, ensuring lawmakers understood the day-to-day realities financial professionals and their clients face.
North Dakota members also joined the effort as Paul Seibert and Kim Albert met with Senator Kevin Cramer. They highlighted the important contributions NAIFA members make in helping clients prepare for the future, from retirement and tax planning to protecting families with insurance solutions.
NAIFA Illinois carried advocacy forward across three different congressional districts. In District 3, Aamir Chalisa met with Legislative Assistant Valeria Metzgen Castro. In District 11, Rep. Bill Foster welcomed Aamir Chalisa, Camille Tan, and Jim Van Ham for a conversation on issues affecting Main Street Americans. In District 16, NAIFA members Chad DeMarre and Rachel Kridner met with financial staff member Ben Monticello to share insights from the field. Additionally, Sara Decatoire and Allan Hamilton met with Brian Zlim, District Director for Rep. Budzinski, while in District 9, Senior Advisor and NAIFA member Joey Davenport represented the profession in a meeting with Rep. Schakowsky’s office.
NAIFA Missouri members continued their outreach by meeting with Rep. Bob Onder of MO-3. Greg Grimes, Scott Perhacs, Craig Wright, Dwayne Lorenz, and Michael Webb shared firsthand perspectives on how legislative decisions influence their clients’ ability to achieve financial security.
These meetings demonstrate the power of NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy network and its commitment to making a difference at the local, state, and federal levels. In-district advocacy allows lawmakers to hear directly from the professionals who work every day to protect families, guide small businesses, and strengthen communities.
By showing up, sharing stories, and building relationships, NAIFA members are ensuring that the voice of Main Street remains strong in every legislative conversation.