Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, will address the Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention on Thursday, April 26.
As a keynote speaker at the legislative conference breakfast, Sen. Thune’s address will help rally members shortly before they head out for the annual Big “I” day on Capitol Hill. Every year, agents and brokers visit Capitol Hill offices to educate and update members of the House, Senate and their staffs on issues important to independent agents.
As a member of the Senate Finance Committee and through his leadership role as Senate Republican Conference chairman, Sen. Thune is on the frontline of many issues that directly impact the insurance market, small business and the overall economy.
Sen. Thune also serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, the Budget Committee and the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, and in 2004 he beat the then-sitting Senate Minority Leader and was elected to his first term in the Senate.
Previously, he served in the South Dakota government and as a congressional aide. A native of the Mount Rushmore state, Sen. Thune earned his undergraduate degree at Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota.
In addition to Sen. Thune, the legislative breakfast will feature a Democrat speaker and the state of the association address by Big “I” Chairman Mike Donohoe.
Following these speeches, approximately 1,000 agents and brokers will embark upon Capitol Hill for the highly-anticipated lobbying day. Many congressional offices plan for and expect an annual visit from their agent and broker constituents.
Top issues this year include: the economic challenges facing insurance agents and the industry, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), federal crop insurance, insurance regulatory reform, medical loss ratios (MLRs) and other health care topics and additional challenges and opportunities facing the independent agency system.
To register and for more information, visit the event
website.