Our grassroots effort certainly made an impression, and most legislators didn’t dispute our position. Some even seemed a little curious that we were raising the prospect that taxation of our products could change, and a few directly asked if there were any bills pending. While there is no adverse legislation pending at this time, we cannot afford to sit on our hands. It was also instructive, but not surprising, that many legislators didn’t have a full understanding of the taxation of life insurance and annuities.
Our 13 attendees
split into 4 groups, and kept appointments with 9 of 10 congressmen/women and
both senators. In the majority of cases
we met with staff members who are familiar with our industry, and most were
surprised by the impact we have in terms of revenue generation, employment, and
of course providing for families during the most difficult times. This is why we need to cultivate these
important relationships. We are
educating staff members (and by extension the legislator) and we are
positioning ourselves as a resource if negative legislation should arise; and
that is bound to happen!
Advocacy is the essence of what we do as an association and
the Congressional Conference success shows that we have the presence and
strength in numbers to bring the effort whenever it’s needed. I am particularly pleased with the Washington
State group. You represented yourselves
and your fellow members well. Thank you
for resisting the urged to be uninvolved!
Richard L. Miller,
NAIFA-WA APIC Chair
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