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Ohio Agents Political Action Committee |
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Scott R. Nein - Chief Executive Officer |
P.O. Box 661, Columbus, Ohio 43216 |
Phone: (800) 282-4424 Fax: (614) 486-9797 |
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A Few Words From OAPAC Chairman David T. Fenner: |
Since I was appointed Legislative Chair and Treasurer of the Ohio Agents Political Action Committee (OAPAC) this year, I have learned first hand how we can protect our businesses from disaster because of political influences. The Spitzer/Marsh issue has spawned efforts across the country to pass legislation to require disclosure of agent compensation. I know of no other business that is required to divulge its compensation in every transaction. We must be prepared to work with the Ohio General Assembly, the Department of Insurance and each other to prevent unfair and ineffective legislation and regulation on this vital issue. Please join me now in replenishing OAPAC so that we can be assured of having legislators and elected officials who can understand the nuances of our business. Your past support of OAPAC has kept the Big "I" and independent agents politically strong. Therefore, I would like simply to ask for your support of the Ohio Agents Political Action Committee (OAPAC), the foundation of our legislative voice in Ohio. As you know, Ohio law prohibits corporate checks. However, contributions may be made by personal check, Visa or MasterCard. We have enclosed a form for your convenience. Thanks for your support of this very important effort. Sincerely yours, |
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David T. Fenner OAPAC Chairman | |
Click here to download an OAPAC contribution form.
InsurPac is the federal political action committee of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). It represents the unified political voice of IIABA’s 23,000 member agencies, and 300,000 agents and brokers. |  |
What is InsurPac?
InsurPac is the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). It was established in 1975 to complement IIABA's legislative program, and has since become the largest property-casualty insurance industry PAC in the country. InsurPac is one of the reasons the Big "I" is routinely rated in Fortune magazine's top-25 list of most successful lobbying groups in Washington, DC.
Lobbying without InsurPac would be like Lavern without Shirley, Batman without Robin or CPC without U. It would be virtually impossible to separate InsurPac from IIABA's lobbying strategy. InsurPac is not a goal unto itself; it's a means to further agent's issues on the Hill.
InsurPac raises funds by asking for voluntary personal contributions from independent agents and brokers throughout the country. By pooling these monies together, InsurPac helps elect candidates and re-elect members of the U.S. Congress who share IIABA's business philosophy.
Why is it important for InsurPac to financially support members of Congress? The reasons are clear. Attention. Access. Foot in the door. While contributions do not buy solutions to legislative debates, they do allow members of IIABA's government affairs team significant face-time with elected officials. Through InsurPac, IIABA is allowed the opportunity to educate these members and develop working relationships with them. Lobbying and a well-funded PAC go hand-in-hand.
"Truthfully, if we didn't have InsurPac, we would be fighting agent battles with both hands tied behind our back," says Robert A. Rusbuldt, IIABA CEO.
Never-Ending Issues
While the insurance industry is state regulated, and agents and brokers want to maintain this system of regulation, it is the U.S. Congress that will make that decision, as well as many other critical decisions that affect our industry. Federal regulation of insurance, tort issues, medical malpractice reform, asbestos reform, tax issues (including the depreciation of expirations), terrorism insurance, the crop program, flood insurance, agency licensing, speed to market reform, new privacy proposals and regulations for companies and agencies, the USA Patriot Act, expanding risk retention groups to include property, natural disaster reform, COLI, the tax treatment of life insurance products, health insurance reform, and much more, are all issues that are being discussed in Congress.
InsurPac is going to bat for independent agents on a daily basis, working to protect their livelihoods. However, these efforts are made more difficult because it is being outspent by major competitors in the financial services world.
Without more immediate support from agents and brokers, InsurPac will struggle to have impact in Washington and throughout the country. Independent agents have the power to make a difference, but only if they get involved.
