Springtime in DC
IIABA National Legislative Day
| PRESIDENT’ S PAGE |
S pringtime. Rain, green grass, wind, maturing wheat, hail, spring planting, a busy time in Kansas. And, as always, our KAIA annual trip to the National Legislative conference in Washington D. C.
I first visited D. C. on a rural electric cooperative trip as a junior in high school. Over the last two years, I’ ve been able take my kids along with us and relive that“ first time” through their eyes. Although frustrating to witness our plodding political processes, it’ s still a tremendous historical education destination.
Why does KAIA make our annual pilgrimage to IIABA National Legislative Day? Increasingly our livelihoods is dependent on our advocacy. As a state regulated industry, we find that the federal government continues to find inroads into our industry. Health insurance, flood insurance, and crop insurance are three cautionary tales as to what happens when the federal government becomes involved. It is important for us to continue to fight against FIO( Federal Insurance Office) and any further intrusion on federal insurance regulation.
As pressure continues to mount on tax reform and spending cuts, agent commission on flood
LYLE DAVIDSON KAIA President
insurance is the latest on the chopping block. After successfully cutting crop and health commissions, it was only a matter of time until any other federal commissions were scrutinized. As stand alone business owners, it’ s imperative that KAIA is our combined voice against attacks on our livelihood and our clients’ ability to receive informed advice.
Kansas is well positioned nationally to affect change. With Bob Fee serving on the IIABA National Executive Committee, Cindy Hower chairing the InVEST committee, Rick Elliott serving on the Big I Reinsurance Board, and myself on the National Crop Task Force, we have voices to make our state’ s needs heard. Recently, our KAIA Crop Insurance Committee was given an opportunity to present written comments on several issues facing crop agents across the state. As we take the lead on attempting to promote positive change for agents, it’ s imperative that our state continue to support KAIA and our InsurPac investments.
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER | May- June 2017 |