It’s probably not news to people familiar with me that I am interested and active in government affairs on behalf of our industry. I call my representatives; I visit lawmakers in their local offices, in Albany, and in Washington D.C., with PIA. I’ve used this editorial forum to advocate a position or attempt to affect legislative or regulatory change; and I contribute to my industry’s political action committees. Recently, a friend and fellow PIANY past President, Henry Kaye, one of the most active people I know with regard to local government affairs, said something that has me troubled. Henry has spoken to a few other agents who are so upset with the dysfunction of Albany that they refused to give to any PAC this year. I understand and agree with my fellow agents’ frustration with Albany. But, I also know that dysfunction is not new in our state capitol—in fact, many would argue dysfunction defines Albany. Nevertheless, I believe that despite all of its imperfections, ours is the best political system in the world. As a professional insurance agent, I’m fully aware that we are in tough economic times. However, I also know that times could be tougher if officials in Albany didn’t recognize the importance of our industry to their constituents. You have to have the right people in place to achieve results in the legislative and regulatory arena, and that’s where PAC comes in.

This November, important elections will be held that will determine candidates for governor, attorney general, state senate and assembly, and other positions with direct impact on the economy, small businesses and the insurance industry. Your association will be asked to support campaigns of candidates who have, and hopefully will continue to be, supportive of our view. It’s past time to build our war chest. I’m asking for the agent, broker and carrier community to please step to the plate and answer your association’s PAC requests, to make sure the situation doesn’t get worse.

Your association’s PAC is a nonprofit political action committee organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of influencing the selection, nomination or election of individuals to state office and participating in the election process in other ways that are consistent with all applicable New York state and/or federal laws or regulations. It exists to strengthen it’s credibility as a serious political force in New York state elections. Combined with members’ individual participation in the campaigns of their favored candidates, an association’s PAC helps support the lawmakers that understand the issues affecting insurance professionals.

Even during recent years, in this outrageous political atmosphere, the lobbying efforts of our associations have had an impact. One of the reasons is that our industry has been able to work with policymakers you’ve helped to put in place— those who understand insurance. I can’t tell you how many times fellow agents have told me how pleased they are with the work PIANY does on the legislative and regulatory front. But, often, the same agents confide that they don’t feel they need to contribute because they know their associations will be in Albany and Washington D.C., regardless of their participation. I can’t think of a more misguided way of thinking. I appreciate the accolades, but we need the financial support to keep doing this work. We can’t rely on a few people, and we can’t assume that every candidate supports what we know to be best for our insureds. Our industry needs everyone to contribute to their PAC. Please contribute generously.