Advocacy

​By Scott Hobson, AVP of Government RelationsSHobson@BigINY.orgNew York's budget process is in full swing, and Governor Hochul recently released her executive budget proposal. As the first step in the budget process, the Governor's proposal lays out her vision for how the state will collect and spend tax dollars, as well as major policy initiatives for the year. Next, each house of the legislature will issue their own proposals, and the legislative leaders and governor will negotiate on a final budget, which is due by April 1st.Many of the Governor's proposals would impact IAs and their customers. Throughout the budget process Big I NY's government affairs…

​This week, members of Big I NY's Group of 100​ traveled to Albany for our “Day on the Hill" to meet with state lawmakers and urge them to support proposals that will help New York consumers. The state budget process is in full swing, and Governor's recently released budget includes many proposals that will impact policyholders.First and foremost is the dire state of New York's insurance market. Policyholders are struggling with rising rates and shrinking availability, and agents are facing new challenges obtaining coverage for their customers. G100 members lobbied in support of common-sense changes to the recently enacted supplemental spousal liability law, including applying…

​With the new year upon us, let us take a moment to reflect upon 2023, which was easily the most effective and successful legislative session in recent history for Big I NY. The victories we achieved this year will have lasting impacts on independent agencies and their customers. These accomplishments were achieved, in no small part, due to the tireless advocacy of our members and our government affairs team in Albany.Photo inspection reform and unfair quoting practices legislation signed into law:In 2023, Big I NY was successful in passing a law to allow insurance companies to waive CARCO inspections for the next four years. Based on…