On the Hill

House Set to Vote on Farm Bill

Controversy related to the supplemental nutrition assistance program and other issues, including crop insurance and subsidies for commodities such as sugar, are making it hard to predict how the final vote will turn out.

New Tax Rules May Not Come Until December

A key provision of the new tax law allows for a 20% deduction on “qualified business income” for owners and shareholders of pass-through businesses. But it is unclear whether insurance agencies and brokerages will qualify.

Congress Considers Crop Insurance Changes

The Big “I” expects that as the 2018 Farm Bill moves through the legislative process, Congress will consider amendments that could be harmful to the FCIP.

SEC Proposes New Fiduciary Standard

Last week, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a new proposed rule on standards of conduct for investment professionals. The proposal arrives amid uncertainty surrounding the Department of Labor fiduciary rule.

Big ‘I’ Submits Comments on Short-Term Health Rule

On Monday, the Big “I” submitted a letter to the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding a proposal to permit short-term limited duration health insurance plans to last up to one year.

Big ‘I’ Continues Advocacy on Tax Issues

The Big “I” is working with a coalition of other producer groups to advocate on behalf of agencies and brokerages regarding provisions of the new tax law that relate to pass-through entities.

Big ‘I’ Chairman: ‘We Must Evolve’

In his State of the Association address, Vaughn Graham, Big “I” chairman, highlighted the role of the Big “I” in positioning independent agents for the future.