CapitolNotes 
The Legislative and Political Newsletter of the 
MN Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

April 19, 2016
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Members Attend Big I Annual DC Legislative Conference
 

Several MIIAB members attended the Big I Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 13-15.   We joined over 400 Big I members who listened to an agent only briefing from Big I National staff and lobbyists and learned how to effectively share an agent prospective with lawmakers. 

The following day we all headed to the capitol to lobby our local Congressmen on several key issues before Congress.
 
The Big I is strongly supporting a modernization of the National Flood Insurance Program.  This would include allowing private insurers to offer other flood insurance as a compliment to the NFIP.   
 
A major victory for the association last year was the reinstatement of the Federal Crop Insurance Program after $3 billion in cuts were made by Congress.   Once again, budget hawks are putting the program in bullseye for spending reductions, and legislation has been introduced which the Big I opposes.   
 
The Big continues to work with various business groups and unions to repeal the "Cadillac tax" on health plans that exceed a fixed annual cost.  Last year we were successful in having the tax delayed for two years, but a permanent repeal is preferred.  The Big I also supports excluding agent compensation from the ACA's Medical Loss Ratio formula. 
 
Legislation has been introduced that would allow many risk retention groups to expand their insurance offerings to include all lines of insurance coverage.  This would create a weaker and preferential system of regulatory oversight.   The Big I strongly opposes extending risk retention group coverage beyond what is authorized under current law.
 
The Legislative Conference included an INSURPAC donor reception and reception for young agents.  There was also a party and silent auction to raise funds for InVEST.

Dominic Sposeto
MIIAB Lobbyist