Rep. Roskam Encourages Independent Agents to Make Their Case on Capitol Hill |
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Written by U.S. Insurance News
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Monday, 14 April 2008 |
It's not just that independent insurance agents are welcome on Capitol Hill to tell their side of the story. It's almost their duty.
As such, Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) will keep the door open for them.
Recently, Roskam spoke to young independent agents and brokers, along with state and national InsurPac leaders, at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I") Legislative Conference & Convention. Roskam addressed the Young Agent-InsurPac luncheon about the need for independent agents and brokers to educate members of Congress on insurance issues.
"There are people out there who show up on Capitol Hill every day who fundamentally don't understand the [insurance] industry," he said. "I know it's another thing to put on your to-do list, but it's an important thing to do to come to Capitol Hill for a few days to get your point across."
Roskam pointed out that independent agents need to have a seat at the table to shape the insurance regulation that Congress considers.
"I know what it's like to be in the room and make decisions, and I know what it's like to be outside the room with my nose pressed against the glass of the room where the decisions are being made," he said.
The Illinois congressman, whose suburban Chicago district is heavily impacted by the financial services sector, also brought up the sensitive subject of insurance regulation. He expressed doubt about the merit of a federal regulator of insurance.
"What federal regulatory agency have you ever seen ... happy to come over the horizon?" he said. "The Big 'I' has been behind Rep. Geoff Davis [in a bill] to bring about some of the [agent licensing] reciprocity that needs to happen."
The Young Agent-InsurPac luncheon was also an opportunity to recognize achievements by young agents in the industry. Awards included:
- National Championship Award: North Carolina. This award is given to the state whose agents contribute the most money for InsurPac in a calendar year. North Carolina was responsible for raising 9 percent ($72,000) of InsurPac money nationwide in 2007. They outraised the next closest state by nearly $10,000.
- Inaugural Young Agent National Championship Award: North Carolina. This award honors young agents who contribute the most money to InsurPac in a calendar year. North Carolina young agents raised $19,800.
- InsurPac Young Agent Award: Roberta Gibbons (Minn.) Gibbons' dedication to raising InsurPac money and passion for political involvement has ignited Minnesota's young agent program for years to come.
- Eagle Awards: Arkansas & South Carolina. These honors go to states that surpass a fundraising average of $100 per member agency.
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