WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – Chief Deputy Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) today addressed the Annual Young Agents & InsurPac State Chairpersons Legislative Luncheon at the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention.
During his presentation to hundreds of Big “I” Young Agents and InsurPac contributors, McCarthy discussed taxes, the current state of the economy, health care reform and the state of the Republican Party.
McCarthy noted that he is opposed to much of what the Democrats and the Obama administration are proposing regarding health care. “They want to create a health care system with the compassion of the IRS; the efficiency of the post office,” he said. He also said that the Democrats will try to pass health care legislation in September but noted that he thinks the real decisions will be made in the next few months. He told agents that they came to Washington at a good time to stress their views to their members of Congress.
McCarthy serves on the powerful House Financial Services Committee, which oversees the insurance industry. Prior to his election to Congress, McCarthy was a small business owner and served as the top Republican in the California Assembly. He is in his second term and represents the 22nd district which includes most of Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties, and northeastern Los Angeles County.
“Rep. McCarthy’s insightful presentation demonstrated his understanding and proven record on issues important to independent insurance agents and brokers,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president for government affairs. “The Big ‘I’ is honored that Rep. McCarthy, a rising star in Congress, addressed our Young Agents and InsurPac leadership teams.”
“Big ‘I’ Young Agents are the next generation of independent agency system leaders and InsurPac is the largest property-casualty political action committee,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “These two forces are among the most influential in the industry and Rep. McCarthy’s presentation touched on many important points that impact them directly such as taxes, small business and health care reform. We look forward to continuing our efforts to build involvement in and activism for legislative issues vital to the future of our industry.”
The event also featured the presentation of the annual InsurPac National Championship awards, Young Agent of the Year and Eagle awards. The 2008 winners are:
InsurPac National Championship Award – Florida: This award goes to the state whose agents contribute the most money for InsurPac in a calendar year. Florida agents contributed $65,977.
Young Agent National Championship Award - North Carolina: This recognition honors the state whose young agents donate the most money to InsurPac. Young Agents from North Carolina contributed $13,592.
InsurPac Young Agent Award: The 2008 winner, Tee Atkins, serves as the New Jersey InsurPac chairman. Under his chairmanship, InsurPac receipts from New Jersey reached an all-time high. Tee’s dedication to raising InsurPac money and passion for political involvement has inspired New Jersey's young agent program for years to come.
InsurPac Eagle Awards: This award is given annually to states that surpass a fundraising average of $100 per member agency. The 2008 recipients are Arkansas, South Carolina and Washington.
The Big “I” National Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event is April 29 through May 1 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Additional highlights of the Big “I” National Legislative Conference include in-depth issues briefing sessions, a panel discussion with top insurance carrier CEOs, a state of the association address by Big “I” chairman Brett Nilsson, a speech by “Freakonomics” co-author Stephen Dubner, appearances by numerous high-profile industry speakers and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress.
For registration and hotel information, go to www.independentagent.com and select the “Events and Conferences” link. Journalists interested in attending, please contact Margarita Tapia, director of public affairs, at (800) 221-7917 or margarita.tapia@iiaba.net for media registration.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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