It’s a new year, so we are gearing up for our annual Joe Vincent Management Seminar, Jan. 26-28, at the Austin Renaissance Hotel. As we do in odd-numbered years, we’ll also host Big “I” Legislative Day at the Texas Capitol on Tues., Jan. 28. If you haven’t yet, please register to attend Joe Vincent and RSVP to let us know you’ll also attend Big “I” Day.
Legislative Panel
We’ll start Big “I” Day with a session at the Renaissance on Tuesday at 8:30 AM, where IIAT's Director of Government Affairs Regan Ellmer will moderate a panel with Lee Parsley, general counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), and Beaman Floyd, a lobbyist and consultant for Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions (TCAIS). They’ll discuss the changes IIAT hopes the legislature will consider this session regarding tort reform
Big "I" Day
Remember, Big “I” Day is our once-per-session opportunity to visit directly with members of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate as a large group. This year, we’ll discuss the importance of passing reforms to combat lawsuit abuse. Our carrier partners are paying millions in frivolous nuclear verdicts due to overzealous trial lawyers. As you’ve seen through our partnership with Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) and other aligned organizations in the Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA), we hope to change that in this session.
Because of some of the unknown changes afoot in the Texas House of Representatives, there is no legislation currently filed. Organizations in the LSEA, including IIAT, believe it’s best to wait until some of the dust settles after the Speaker’s race and perhaps until committees are named before filing any legislation. Even if no legislation has been filed yet, your conversations with lawmakers can help shape their understanding and priorities.
If you plan on attending Big “I” day to meet with your legislators, please call their offices to schedule an appointment. When you call, ask for the scheduler and let them know why you’d like to meet with the Representative/Senator. In many cases – they may only be able to offer a meeting with a staffer. If that’s the case, do not be discouraged! Often, the elected official will join the meeting if they can; even if not, the staff person will convey the meeting notes to the boss.
Don't know your legislators? New legislative members will be sworn in on Tues., Jan. 14. Once that occurs, you can use this link to learn who represents you in the Texas House and the Texas Senate so that you can book your appointments.
Why Attend?
- Make an Impact: Legislators and policymakers constantly evaluate regulations that could affect your business. By attending, you’re taking an active role in shaping a favorable future for independent insurance in Texas.
- Stay Informed: Learn about the latest legislative issues impacting our industry directly from IIAT’s government affairs team and industry experts.
- Network: Enjoy a casual BBQ lunch with colleagues and lawmakers, where meaningful conversations and connections happen.
- Show Unity: Your presence sends a powerful message about the strength of independent agents in Texas.
This is your chance to stand with IIAT and ensure that independent insurance agents remain a strong and influential part of Texas’s economy. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to advocate for your industry and connect with key decision-makers.
We’ll see you at the Capitol!
Regan Ellmer
Director of Government Affairs