Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana) is the Gerald Solomon Big “I" Legislator of the Year for 2024.

Sen. Daines was honored for his leadership on key issues impacting independent insurance agencies. As the lead sponsor of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, he worked to make the 20% small business tax deduction permanent. With 86% of Big “I" agencies structured as pass-through entities, according to the 2024 Agency Universe Study, the deduction is crucial.

He has also championed crop insurance, wildfire disaster mitigation, telehealth expansion, and the SAFER Banking Act to protect insurers working with legal cannabis businesses. His leadership at the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee helped Republicans regain control of the U.S. Senate, paving the way for major tax reforms benefiting independent agents and their clients.

"The Big 'I' is proud to present Sen. Daines the 2024 Gerald Solomon Big 'I' Legislator of the Year Award," Symington said. “He is a consummate champion for small business and the millions of consumers that rely upon them."

“His efforts to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act will have lasting impact upon communities throughout the country, including many independent insurance agencies," Symington added. "We stand firmly behind him and will continue to advocate for the act's inclusion in the tax package that Congress is currently considering."

Sen. Daines was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and to the Senate in 2014. Next year, he'll seek reelection for a third term in the Senate. He also serves on the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. He previously served on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

The Big “I" presents the Legislator of the Year Award annually to a member of Congress who provides outstanding leadership on insurance issues. The name of the award honors the late Rep. Gerald Solomon (R-New York), a former U.S. House of Representatives Rules Committee chairman and Big “I" member who championed independent agent and broker legislative causes during his 20 years in Congress.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.