Advocacy in action blog

In today’s ever-changing regulatory landscape, financial professionals face a growing number of legislative and policy challenges that can directly impact their ability to serve clients and sustain their businesses. Many of these challenges come from well-intended but often misguided attempts to regulate the industry in ways that could limit consumer access to financial guidance, increase operational burdens, or even threaten advisors' ability to earn a living.

At NAIFA, our mission is clear: We are the voice of the financial professional in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across the country. We are here to ensure that laws and regulations support—not hinder—your ability to provide the essential services that individuals, families, and businesses rely on every day.

Why Advocacy Matters

Without a strong, unified advocacy effort, financial professionals could face serious obstacles that disrupt their business models. Consider some of the critical battles NAIFA has fought on behalf of the industry:

NAIFA is proud to announce that John M. Ruckel, LUTCF, a Financial Professional with MassMutual and owner of Ruckel Insurance and Financial Group in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the 2024 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.

Congratulations to NAIFA-California for its advocacy work that contributed to the California Legislature passing (and the Governor signing) AB 2927 by Assemblyman McCarty (D-Sacramento). The bill reflects years of efforts to require financial literacy be included in high school curriculum and required for graduation. 

The recently agreed-to compromise was supported by NAIFA-California and resulted in the proposed November ballot initiative being pulled by its sponsor NGPF Mission 2030, an affiliate of Next Gen Personal Finance. The Governor and Legislative leaders praised the compromise and expressed their strong support of ensuring students are given the life tools necessary to make sound financial decisions at a young age. Students will begin to see the curriculum in the 2027-28 school year. 

NAIFA-California’s advocacy win is NAIFA grassroots at its best.

Washington, D.C.—The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Finseca, Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) and National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) issued the following statement on legislation advanced today by the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies that would block funding for the Labor Department’s fiduciary-only regulation:

NAIFA encourages all insurance and financial professionals to vote in local, state, and federal elections and to encourage others to follow their example. Approximately 63 million Americans who are eligible are not even registered to vote. Encouraging your colleagues, team, and clients to register is a great first step and a way to show your dedication to participating in the democratic process.

NAIFA is the only association for insurance and financial professionals with a strong political advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and every state capital.

Last month, NAIFA members in Connecticut amplified NAIFA's advocacy message in Hartford. NAIFA-Connecticut's Legislative Day created great momentum heading into the Congressional Conference, May 22-23, in Washington, D.C.

On June 22, The United States House of Representatives passed the NAIFA-supported Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801), which provides employers flexibility about what personal information they have to provide on behalf of their employees and their families. Additionally, it extends the appeal window for any potential violation and establishes a statute of limitations so small businesses operating with limited resources can continue their work with less of a burden.

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-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.

On November 30, 2022, NAIFA joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other industry partners in a letter asking the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make permanent the temporary relief from the physical presence requirement for spousal consent that the IRS has provided. As reflected in the attached letter, plans have been using this relief for nearly two years, and NAIFA believes that its use and effectiveness warrant that it be made permanent. If the IRS feels it cannot make this relief permanent before it expires after December 31, 2022, NAIFA urged the IRS to provide at least an additional 12-month extension while the IRS either provides permanent relief on its own or through notice and comment. By doing so, the IRS will avoid disrupting a valued tool many have come to rely on.