I Day Awards
Do you know someone that
goes above and beyond in their job,
cummunity, etc.? If so, IBA San Diego
is looking for nominations in the following
categories (click on the link to download
nomination forms):
SEND in your nominations
ASAP before the deadline dates.
Legislation:
One of the IBA’s
greatest benefits to you, its membership,
is its continuing fight to bring our
industry issues and legislative positions
on numerous matters to our Congressional
members and their leadership. Here is
a synopsis of the recent announcement
concerning the sunset of the NFIP legislation.
I sincerely hope that
you will continue to support the IBA,
especially with the new leadership on
the various subcommittees and in the
House and Senate, because their efforts
are directly impacting our industry’s
future and our ability to earn a live
living!
The National Flood Insurance
Program would be extended for six months
with no changes in structure, under
provisions included in a $410 billion
omnibus appropriations bill set for
floor debate later this week. The short-term
extension, through Sept. 30, would push
debate over the program's long-term
future -- including whether it should
begin offering a "multiperil"
policy that also includes windstorm
coverage -- to this summer. Without
an extension, statutory authority for
the 40-year-old NFIP would expire March
6, along with the rest of a $487.7 billion
continuing resolution passed in September.
Separate bills that each
would have extended the program for
five years passed the House in October
2007 and the Senate in May of this year.
But progress stalled on resolving differences
between the two bills, including provisions
of the House bill empowering the NFIP
to begin offering windstorm coverage
through optional personal and commercial
multiperil policies. Other changes would
have phased out some premium subsidies,
raised the NFIP's maximum coverage limits
for the first time since 1994 and introduced
coverage of additional living expenses,
business interruption, and finished
basements.
"The Big I is pleased
to see that an NFIP extension through
Sept. 30 is included," said Charles
Symington, senior vice president of
government affairs with the Independent
Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
"This program, which is so important
to thousands of consumers across the
country, cannot be allowed to lapse."
The Big I is having its
Annual Legislative Conference in Washington
from April 29th to May 1st if anyone
would like to join in this great event
where we meet with our legislators!
Best regards, Jeff Gearhart
