Big “I” Chairman Jon Jensen was in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with members of Congress and set the groundwork for the 2020 Big “I” Legislative Conference, to take place May 13-15.

While on Capitol Hill, Jensen, president & CEO of Correll Insurance Group in Spartanburg, South Carolina, met with Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Rep. William Timmons (R-South Carolina), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina), Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-South Carolina) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio). He also attended a fundraising dinner for U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Ranking Member Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina).

During the meetings, Jensen reminded members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and their staff of the critical role the independent insurance agency system plays in protecting America’s families and businesses. He discussed important issues such as flood insurance, tax reform, defending the modernized state-based insurance regulatory system, health care, crop insurance and more.

While the annual Big “I” chairman’s visit is important, the Big “I” government affairs team works the halls of Congress every day, which is something that Jensen appreciated during his visit.

“It’s really good to see how close their relationships are and how legislators take the professional viewpoints of our lobbying team into account,” Jensen said. “There’s no way that Big “I” members could be on the Hill every day, responding to the things that pop up on a weekly basis. We need to be well represented on the Hill and we certainly are with the team we have.”

It is also imperative that a strong contingent of Big “I” members come to Washington, D.C. in May for the 2020 Big “I” Legislative Conference. “Legislators and their staffers need to know their constituents’ feelings," Jensen said. “Just seeing that we have taken the time, effort and money to go and carry our messages forward is very meaningful to them.”

“Our members see things on a local level and the Big 'I' Legislative Conference is our opportunity to tell legislators what we see in our districts and how important that is,” he said. “It’s really important for agents to go to this yearly event.”

Agents who register before March 6 receive an early-bird discount.

Will Jones is IA senior editor.

Top photo, from left to right: Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO; Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina); Big “I” Chairman Jon Jensen.

Bottom photo, from left to right: Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry and government affairs; Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO; Big “I” Chairman Jon Jensen; Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-South Carolina).