Last Thursday while dodging raindrops a contingent of Michigan Independent Insurance agents took to the Capitol in Lansing for our state lobby day. If you follow along with our blog you’ll remember that in April we were in DC lobbying at the national level J
Thursday was our day to take it to the state level and I was looking forward to it. I graduated with a BA from Aquinas College in Political Science so I was ready to go. Although our process can be frustrating we do live in one of the best states ever.
We started the day with a briefing on the topics that effect our industry and our clients. These topics ranged from our stance on no-fault reform, the gift limitation increase, electronic delivery of policies, agent liability act and data security. Our first meeting went well with Representative Singh who is term limited this year. There were three of us there and we each took a couple of talking points and set to work. After that meeting we met with a staffer from Senator Rick Jones and did the same thing this time around as well.
Sitting in those meetings was another great reminder of how great of a state and country we really do live in. It also renews my faith in our political process even if I don’t totally agree with everything that happens. There are so many places in this world where average citizens do not have the same opportunities that we do to voice our concerns/approval with our representatives no only on the state level but also the national level too. There are many who don’t have these same opportunities.
Again, I urge you to get involved with your local, state and national government. That can be as easy as an email, coffee hour, setting up a meeting with their office to talk about the issues important to you, your family and/or your business/industry. You have a voice and are an expert in these areas so use it!
