government | INSIGHT
Legislative Update Spring Session began on January 28th and will run through the end of May. There will be one major difference from previous years as Senate President John Cullerton has retired. The Senate convened on Sunday, January 19th to formally elect a new Senate President. On a vote of 37-12, Senator Don Harmon will now lead the Senate as its 39th Senate President. While, 2019 was certainly a tumultuous year in Illinois politics it was one of the most historic legislative years on record. Governor J.B. Pritzker had by all means one of the most successful first years of any Governor in Illinois in terms of legislative accomplishments. Lawmakers approved Gov. Pritzker’s biggest campaign promise by asking Illinois voters to approve a graduated income tax via a referendum
By Evan Manning on the November 2020 ballot. Lawmakers also passed an equity-focused recreational cannabis measure, sports wagering, a budget and capital bill, pension consolidation, and a graduated increase to minimum wage to $15 an hour. IIA of IL’s Government Relations Committee recently met and his in the process of firming up our legislative and regulatory agenda for this year. Be on the lookout for an update in the next issue and in our e-Weekly newsletter. Evan Manning is Director of Government Relations for the IIA of IL. He can be reached at emanning@iiaofil.org or (217) 321-3002.
An
IIAPAC
Independent Insurance Agents Political Action Committee
INVESTMENT in
YOUR BUSINESS
By Evan Manning
IIA of IL is constantly in communication and discussions on both the State and Federal level. One of our association’s biggest resources for this communication line is our State Political Action Committee known as IIAPAC. IIAPAC supports candidates for and members of the General Assembly who support the legislative agenda of independent agents. IIAPAC is a bi-partisan committee, making significant contributions to both Republican and Democrat legislators and candidates. IIAPAC took tremendous strides over the last year and exceeded our fundraising goals with the help of our VIP Contributors and the many donors to our Silent Auction that was featured at CONVO.
I want to sincerely thank all of the many generous donors listed on the next page. Supporting IIAPAC sends a powerful message to legislators and candidates about issues that are important to our members. While it is difficult to quantify legislative and regulatory victories into improved marketplace conditions, I guarantee you that without our combined efforts Illinois would be in a much worse condition for agents, brokers, and our company partners. Evan Manning is Director of Government Relations for the IIA of IL. He can be reached at emanning@iiaofil.org or (217) 321-3002.
IIA of IL is the LOUDEST VOICE for independent insurance agents and brokers in the state. We strive to INFLUENCE LEGISLATION to provide a better product for the consumer and protecting those who sell insurance.
