This fall, Travis Wattie, Big I NY AVP of Government Relations, spoke at five legislative breakfast events across the state. Each of the events—hosted by Big I Central New York, Big I Southern Tier, Big I Suffolk, Big I Tri-County, and Big I Western New York —brought together insurance professionals and state and federal lawmakers for meaningful conversations on public policy issues impacting New York’s insurance marketplace.
The breakfasts began with a high-level overview of the industry’s legislative priorities, which focus on making insurance more accessible and affordable while modernizing outdated laws and regulations. Issues discussed included:
- Litigation practices that increase claim costs
- Rising insurance fraud, including staged auto and construction site accidents
- Regulatory delays at the Department of Financial Services that limit consumer choice
- Operational inefficiencies in the Excess & Surplus market and the need to modernize licensing requirements for property & casualty insurance professionals
- Reform of New York’s Scaffold Law
After the overview, participating lawmakers introduced themselves and shared their perspectives before the discussion was opened to attendees for questions and comments. This interactive format allowed insurance professionals to share real-world experiences and engage directly with policymakers on how legislative and regulatory decisions affect consumers, businesses, and local communities.
These legislative breakfasts reinforced the value of open dialogue and collaboration, helping strengthen relationships with policymakers and advance thoughtful, balanced reforms that support a stable and competitive insurance marketplace in New York.
Thank you to the members and lawmakers who attended these events and to the local association hosts. Big I New York members interested in becoming more involved in grassroots advocacy are encouraged to consider joining the Group of 100.