PIA Slates Federal Legislative Summit April 24-25 in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) will converge on Washington, D.C. April 24-25 for the 2018 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 their positions on issues of importance to Professional Insurance Agents.

"PIA's national advocacy over the past year led to legislative victories for agents on vital matters, like the inclusion of small businesses in the tax relief bill passed by Congress, and the further postponement to 2022 of the Affordable Care Act's Cadillac Tax," said PIA National President Tim Russell. "Our annual legislative summit is a key opportunity for PIA members to solidify their relationships with members of Congress, in order to continue to advance our issues."

PIA members will advocate for solutions that enable agents to better serve their clients and communities by encouraging Congress repeal the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), protect a strong and stable crop insurance program and reinstate fair and just compensation in healthcare.

Another priority is securing a long-term authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP has faced a string of short-term reauthorizations by Congress. The program originally expired on September 30, 2017, when its 5-year authorization ended. It was then extended until December 8th, then again until December 22nd, then extended again until January 19, again until February 8, and again until March 23.

"A string of short-term extensions is no way to run the flood insurance program," said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile. "The NFIP is a program that requires certainty. It is also in great need of reforms. PIA will continue our advocacy for a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP that recognizes the essential role independent agents play in providing expert advice to consumers."

"PIA also led throughout the last year in opposing NFIP legislation that includes a provision that could lead to a cut in commissions for agents selling NFIP policies," Gentile said. "PIA will continue to advocate against any bill which includes a provision that will lead to a reduction in agent compensation as the NFIP reauthorization process continues."

The 2018 PIA Federal Legislative Summit begins on the evening of April 24 at the Hilton Crystal City 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 reception for FLS attendees. On April 25, 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 day ends with a fundraising reception for the Professional Insurance Agents Political Action Committee (PIAPAC).

"PIA is coming off another successful year in advocacy," said PIA National Executive Vice President & CEO Mike Becker. "We appreciate the actions taken by members of Congress that advance the interests of professional independent insurance agents, and we look forward engaging with lawmakers throughout this year in furtherance of PIA's legislative agenda."

For more information, visit the FLS webpage at www.piafls.com.

PIA thanks our FLS Platinum sponsors The PIA Partnership and Progressive Insurance; Gold sponsor Crop Risk Services; Silver sponsors NAU Country Insurance; Liberty Mutual Insurance; and State Auto Insurance Companies; and Bronze sponsors The Motorists Insurance Group, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and Bankers Insurance Group.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America ^SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

This press release is online at:
http://pianet.com/news/press-releases/2018/pia-slates-federal-legislative-summit-april-24-25-in-washington-d.c

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents