Claire-ification

Are you a member with a question? Contact IA&B VP-Advocacy Claire Pantaloni, CIC, CISR to find the answer at 717-918-9202 or ClaireP@IABforME.com.

QUESTION:

What is the difference between AgentPAC and InsurPAC/PIAPAC?

ANSWER:

AgentPAC is IA&B’s state-based, bipartisan political action committee (PAC). It is there to enhance our advocacy efforts in Harrisburg, Annapolis, and Dover. AgentPAC pools the voluntary contributions of IA&B members and uses those funds to support the election of candidates and legislators who understand the issues important to the independent agent and broker community.

InsurPac (for Pennsylvania and Delaware members) and PIAPAC (for Maryland members) perform the same role at the federal level. Our national affiliates are the ones spearheading that fundraising effort, which ultimately supports members of Congress who understand the crucial role played by insurance agents but also their challenges as small business owners. Every year sees efforts to reauthorize programs that are tied to the budget and appropriations process, such as the Crop and Flood insurance programs. Every year also sees a myriad of other bills that can foster or hinder your business.

For an effective advocacy program, the three legs of the proverbial stool are PAC, lobbying, and grassroots. Whether we ultimately agree with them or not, having legislators in place who are willing to listen and understand our members’ concerns is crucial.

The state and federal PACs are essential to support our industry. They are a perfect illustration of strength in numbers, and ideally both should be contributed to. Whether you contribute $50 or $1,000, you will make a difference.

If you have not contributed to these PACs yet, please consider adding it to your annual donations. If you have, please talk to a friendly competitor and ask them to contribute.

The PACs are easy to access:

STATE LEVEL:

AgentPAC – IABforME.com/political_advocacy/

FEDERAL LEVEL:

InsurPac – independentagent.com/governmentaffairs/InsurPac/

PIAPAC – pianational.org/advocate/pia-political-action-committee