Advocacy

This week, the New York state leaders reached an agreement on a $212B state budget, the largest in the state's history. Ultimately, most of smaller policy provisions proposed by the Governor were removed, but many “big picture" policy pieces made the final cut. Here is a summary of the key pieces affecting you and your customers:No-Fault Anti-Fraud (Rejected): Big I NY supported the Governor's proposal to more easily and aggressively prosecute medical providers (“medical mills") that commit no-fault fraud, and lobbied members of the legislature on this issue during Independent Agents Advocacy Week. Unfortunately, this proposal was not included in the final budget. We are…

This week, Senator Neil Breslin, Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, introduced legislation created by Big I NY to make the auto photo inspection voluntary at the discretion of an insurance carrier. This is a pro-customer measure to eliminate an unnecessary burden to the process of obtaining comp and collision coverage. Modern technology has rendered the photo inspection virtually useless (carriers tell us they don't even use them). It can be a major hassle for the insured, who risks losing coverage if the inspection isn't completed in time. Big I NY members sent over 220 emails to their state senators, calling on them to sign…

​Is EVERYONE in your agency registered for the Legislative Conference?  Registration is FREE, and now is the time to have someone sign up EVERYONE in your agency – principals, producers, CSRs, administrators.  The threats and challenges to YOUR profession and agency are real!It is efficient to designate someone in your agency to register all of your colleagues/employees.  Registration is easy, and you can watch it at your convenience as it is recorded.The lineup:Remarks by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), the #1 swing vote in the SenateAn interview with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (and former Florida Governor)An interview with Congressman…