About 1,000 NAIFA members are taking advantage of the opportunity to be part of an important history-making event: NAIFA’s Congressional Conference. The meeting, currently under way in Washington, D.C., was organized by NAIFA to give members a platform to educate their lawmakers about the important role insurance plays in the lives of millions of Americans, and why it is imperative that tax reform does not make it more expensive or more difficult for Americans to purchase this valuable product.

As the members prepared for the meetings with lawmakers, several of them shared some of the reasons why they left their busy practices and traveled to Washington, D.C., to make their views known. Here are some of these reasons, in their own words:

"I am a Committeeman in North Dakota and I am active in local and state associations there. I believe that political advocacy is important and that we must keep the lines of communications open with our lawmakers in Washington, D.C. We did something similar at the state level, and I believe that is time to support NAIFA on a national level."

— John Halstenson, North Dakota

"This meeting was an important opportunity for me to support NAIFA’s cause on a big stage. This is a critical time to be involved in political advocacy. It is very important for our voices to be heard by our lawmakers, loudly and clearly."

— Marty Glickman, Chicago

"We need to protect the tax benefits of the products and services our clients use, and I believe this is an excellent way for us to do so."

— Greg Smith, New York Life

"Political advocacy is one of the greatest benefits I get for being a NAIFA member. The other benefits, such as the professional development benefits, are also important, but political advocacy is key."

— Tmora Payne, Mississippi

"The program is admirable. We must support political advocacy to prevent possible taxation of the products and services we provide to our clients. It is important for us to act as a resource to our lawmakers and to educate them about the critical role we play in the lives of our clients. The government is looking or money wherever it can find it, and we want to make sure our products are protected. Our greatest benefit from NAIFA is political advocacy because ultimately, if we do not have the appropriate products and services, we will not be in business."

— Cindy Petersen, Colorado