For Congress, the month of August is commonly perceived as “down time”—a recess from their legislative duties. However, for members of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), it’s the ideal chance to meet with members of Congress on their home turf to discuss the legislative priorities of insurance professionals and small business owners.
August 19 marked District Lobbying Day for PIA members this year, in which insurance agents around the country met with members of the House and Senate in their home districts to discuss upcoming legislation.
This year, PIA Senior Vice President Ted Besesparis says the focus is on renewing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) and making important changes to the medical loss ratio (MLR) code.
“We’re very concerned about getting TRIA renewed and would like the Senate version to receive hearing in the House,” said Besesparis. “Our members’ clients need terrorism coverage for their businesses and homes, and that concern is particularly acute for commercial clients.”
As for the medical loss ratio, PIA’s government affairs coordinator, Julia Domagalski, says two offerings from Rep. Mike Rogers (HR-2328) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (S-650) are supporting the changes PIA would like to see made to the code—specifically to exclude agent compensation from being included in the MLR formula.
Crop or flood insurance concerns are also an issue for agents in certain regions, she said.
PIA has been organizing a District Lobbying Day since 2006 to keep members engaged politically and to build relationships with members of Congress. Domagalski said those who participate become better grassroots advocates and gain awareness of the legislative process.
“Our members that participate start to build confidence in getting involved, and participating and connecting with their members of Congress on a regular basis,” she said. “They start to follow issues more regularly and become aware of how they’re affecting their business.”
Because not all members of Congress had available appointments yesterday, PIA members are meeting with their district leaders throughout the week.
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