Texas Capitol Welcomes TAIFA Members
Over 150 TAIFA members descended on the Texas Capitol January 23rd for TAIFA’s 2007 Legislative Day. Braving the cold and rain, Texas’ finest arrived from the four corners of the state to visit with their lawmakers to discuss issues facing insurance agents and financial advisors throughout the state of Texas.

The meeting in Austin marks a pivotal point in the year for TAIFA, as legislative issues move to the forefront of emphasis. “The greatest thing that comes out of Legislative Day,” said Lane Boozer, Chair of TAIFA’s Political Involvement Committee, “is the building of relationships between members and lawmakers.” He added, “As issues come up in the House and Senate, these relationships will ensure that the voices of agents are heard and considered.”

With more than one thousand bills already filed in the House and four hundred filed in the Senate, the 80th Session is sure to be busy. Your TAIFA staff is carefully following all filed legislation. For updates throughout the session, please visit www.taifa.org.


Secretary of State Greets TAIFA Members
Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams greeted TAIFA members at the Capitol Grill on the morning of January 23, in conjunction with TAIFA’s 2007 Legislative Day. The Secretary, a former baseball player and native of Fort Worth, serves not only as Texas’ chief elections' officer, but also its chief business officer. In his message to a crowded room of TAIFA members, the Secretary said, “Small businesses drive the economy of Texas and you are all small business owners.” He continued, “Your success is success for Texas, and the growth of your business opens the door to new opportunities for Texans.”

Also joining TAIFA members for the morning session was TAIFA member and State Representative David Farabee. “It is reassuring to me to see so many of you here today,” he said, “representing not only the industry, but your clients who depend on you for financial viability and protection.”


Resolutions Honor TAIFA, Officers
On January 23, TAIFA members were honored by the Texas House of Representatives for their many contributions to the citizens of Texas over more than 80 years of service. TAIFA members, gathered in Austin for TAIFA Legislative Day, filled the South Gallery of the Texas House as the resolution, sponsored by TAIFA member and State Representative David Farabee was read in full by the clerk.

In addition to recognizing TAIFA President Tim K. Provence III for his service and leadership, HR 94 honored TAIFA for its ongoing role as, “a vital group of professionals who consistently work in behalf of consumers and businesses to advance financial independence and reliable insurance for all.”

Another resolution, HCR 37 filed by TAIFA member and State Representative Joe Driver, was read recognizing Mark R. Warren for his service and leadership as TAIFA’s 81st President, and for contributions he and his wife, Freada, have made to the cause of organ donation in the wake of the tragic death of their son, Clay Warren.


Legislators Meet with TAIFA Members
More than seventy Texas Legislators joined TAIFA members at the University of Texas Alumni Center for lunch in conjunction with TAIFA’s Legislative Day on January 23. Representing the Senate and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst was TAIFA member Senator Tommy Williams of The Woodlands.

After a few welcoming remarks by Senator Williams, TAIFA member and State Representative Joe Driver introduced Speaker Tom Craddick who shared his thoughts on the upcoming session. Speaker Craddick thanked TAIFA members for their hospitality commenting, “I know the session is about to begin when I receive my invitation to the TAIFA luncheon.” He continued, “Your event is the first one of the session and we always look forward to being with you.”

Speaker Craddick offered an overview of the 80th Session and the issues that arise when working with a budget surplus as opposed to a deficit. “When there’s no money, it’s easy to say no to proposals for new programs,” the speaker said, “but with a surplus, it is important that great discretion be used to manage the resources of Texas to the benefit of its citizens.”

TAIFA members used the luncheon to establish and build upon relationships with Texas lawmakers. As the 80th Session continues, these relationships will assure open lines of communication between TAIFA and Texas leaders.

TAIFA President Provence, in saluting the 80th Legislature, said that the invitation two years from now will be from NAIFA-TX, unveiling TAIFA's new name.

Insurance industry lobbyists have asked TAIFA to support a new "personal lines license" that would allow the person obtaining the license to act as an agent of an insurance company with restricted authority to sell only personal insurance products.

Current Texas law requires a person who intends to sell only personal lines insurance products to obtain a General Property and Casualty License which permits the individual to sell not only personal lines insurance but also commercial insurance. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, a majority of states offer a "personal lines-only" license.

Advocates for a new "personal lines-only" license in Texas argue that such a license would facilitate greater uniformity in producer licensing among states as sought by the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.

TAIFA will review the proposed legislation before deciding its position.