Professional Insurance Agents to Hold 2017 Federal Legislative Summit April 5-6

WASHINGTON — Members of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) will bring their concerns directly to Capitol Hill when they convene April 5-6 in Washington, D.C., for the 2017 PIA Federal Legislative Summit (FLS).

The annual PIA Federal Legislative Summit is a gathering of PIA members from around the country who come together to meet with their members of Congress and advocate for their positions on issues important to Professional Insurance Agents.

“Legislative victories on our issues are made possible by the continued commitment and involvement by PIA members,” said PIA National President Gary Blackwell. “It’s part of our year-round coordinated program of grassroots advocacy.”

PIA members will encourage Congress to defend state regulation of insurance; abolish the Federal Insurance Office (FIO); provide a long-term authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); protect a strong and stable crop insurance program as part of the new Farm Bill; and reinstate fair and just compensation in healthcare.

In addition, PIA will support a clear and simple tax code, a reduction in individual and corporate income tax rates for small businesses, and will oppose tax provisions or regulations that impede small business growth.

“PIA members will advocate for solutions that enable agents to better serve their clients and communities,” said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile.  “We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to support the independent agency system and Main Street insurance agents everywhere.”

The 2017 PIA Federal Legislative Summit begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 5, at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, PIA’s headquarters hotel, with an in-depth issues briefing session and Q&A to prepare attendees for their congressional visits. The day ends with a fundraising event for the Professional Insurance Agents Political Action Committee (PIAPAC).

The following morning, April 6, PIA members will gather for a kickoff breakfast before making their way to Capitol Hill for a day of advocacy visits with their members of Congress.

“The new Congress combined with the new Administration presents a chance to further advance PIA’s legislative priorities,” said PIA National Executive Vice President & CEO Mike Becker. “We are optimistic that the victories PIA has achieved in recent years will accelerate in the new environment in 2017.”