NAIFA's Virginia chapter held a successful Day on the Hill event on January 29, even though Virginia’s legislative session is completely virtual at present due to COVID-19. The Day on the Hill has been a key element of NAIFA-VA's advocacy mission for many years and a way for the chapter to engage with members from around the state.

Two bills under consideration during the 2021 session of Virginia General Assembly are of critical importance to NAIFA members and their clients:

• NAIFA-VA, along with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Retail Merchants Association, and several Chambers of Commerce, opposed a bill passed by the House of Delegates and under consideration by the Senate that would create a “Virginia Saves” state-run retirement program. NAIFA-VA had previously testified against the bill in a public hearing.
• NAIFA-VA encouraged legislators to allow licensed insurance agents to be recognized as resources for consumers on Cover Virginia, the state’s health care marketplace. NAIFA-VA believes the public should be informed of all options for health insurance, and agent involvement is the only way to achieve that.

NAIFA-VA’s virtual Day on the Hill session was attended by more than 20% of state Senate offices, including Sen. Adam Ebbin who sits on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee where the Virginia Saves bill is under review.

NAIFA-VA members also made their voices heard by answering a call-to-action through NAIFA’s Advocacy Action Center and directly contacting their lawmakers. The Virginia General Assembly remains in session, and NAIFA-VA continues to monitor the proceedings and will identify any additional proposals that may require members to take action.