On the Hill

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.

When something’s not working, Rep. Rice believes in taking a business-like approach.

Despite political friction in both chambers and uncertainty surrounding this year’s midterm elections, Rep. Hoyer is “committed to making this Congress a functional one.”

Sen. Johnson made a huge impact during the tax reform debate—and his advocacy ultimately helped the bottom line of Big “I” members and their small business clients.

Surrounded by controversy related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the bill moved through committee on partisan lines.

The bill is wrapped in partisan controversy related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. However, the bill provisions that relate to the Federal Crop Insurance Program have not been a point of contention.

The proposal would revitalize the state medical loss ratio waiver program, making it easier for state regulators to request reasonable changes to requirements for insurers offering health insurance policies in their state.

Congress is expected to pass a bill to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, which also includes authorization for continued operation of the NFIP through July 31.

On March 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit vacated the entire U.S. Department of Labor fiduciary rule. The Big “I” is pleased with the decision as the association opposes the rule.

The changes, which apply to the FY2019 WYO Arrangement effective Oct. 1, include, among other things, eliminating the WYO non-compete and revising the methodology for calculating WYO compensation, which is used to pay agent commissions.