Coalition Hosts Invitation-Only Fly-In

The members of the Life Insurance Tax Challenges Coalition (NAIFA, ACLI, NAILBA, AALU and GAMA) hosted a 1½-day Washington, DC Fly-In on May 10 and 11.  35 agents and advisors went on 25 of Capitol Hill visits to meet with staff and lawmakers serving on the tax-writing committees.

The meeting kicked off with a welcome from ACLI CEO Frank Keating and a panel (that included NAIFA outside counsel, Pat Raffaniello) on the current political landscape in our nation’s capitol.  Later former Congressman Bill Archer delivered a “Political Realities” address that warned the participating “constituent lobbyists” to be extremely vigilant as Congress lurches towards inevitable and major tax code overhauling.  He observed that federal budget deficits were becoming so astronomical that in order not to be engulfed by the exponential growth of entitlement spending, taxes must be raised; budget cuts would not be enough. 

To that end, the 35 agents and advisors attending the Fly-In made a “preemptive strike” by educating Members of Congress on the current tax treatment of life insurance and annuity products and demonstrating why removing the current tax incentives that encourage Americans to save for their future and their family’s security was bad public policy.

NAIFA’s Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations Mike Kerley served on a Coalition Activities Panel. NAIFA’s Assistant Vice President of Political Affairs Magenta Ishak reviewed Capitol Hill “etiquette” and delivered the final send-off remarks.  Also featured was Dave Hamrick of New Partners, who has been a featured presenter at ten NAIFA state convention grassroots training programs across the country this year. Hamrick spoke on the topic of Effective Issue Advocacy.

NAIFA Staff Contact: Magenta Ishak, Assistant Vice President – Political Affairs, at (703) 770-8152.