Big “I” Chairman Joe Leahy was in Washington, D.C. this week to meet with members of Congress and set the groundwork for this year's Legislative Conference, to take place May 8-10.
Big “I” Chairman Joe Leahy was in Washington, D.C. this week to meet with members of Congress and set the groundwork for the upcoming Big “I” Legislative Conference, to take place May 8-10.
Leahy, co-owner and founder of Leahy and Brown Insurance + Realty, Inc., in Springfield, Massachusetts, proudly represented the association’s quarter of a million independent agency employees on Capitol Hill.
Leahy began his career as a chief of staff in the Massachusetts statehouse, so he understands the importance of making personal connections with legislators. While on Capitol Hill, Leahy met with members of the Massachusetts delegation, including Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts), Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts), Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts) and Stephen Lynch (D-Massachusetts). He also met House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts).
Leahy also attended a Big “I”-hosted lunch for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), as well as a Big “I”-hosted dinner for House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina).
During the meetings, Leahy reminded the 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 also discussed important issues such as flood insurance, terrorism insurance, tax reform and data security/privacy, among others.
While the annual Big “I” chairman’s visit is important—and the Big “I” government affairs team works the halls of Congress every day—it is also imperative that a strong contingent of Big “I” members come to Washington, D.C. in May for the 2019 Big “I” Legislative Conference. Agents who register before March 8 receive an early bird discount.
Katie Butler is IA editor in chief.
Top photo, from left to right: Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO; House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts); Big “I” Chairman Joe Leahy; and Charles Symington, Big “I” senior vice president of external, industry & government affairs.
Bottom photo, from left to right: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) and Leahy.
