For Immediate Release:

Important Notice to Long Island Agents and Brokers!

COASTAL INSURANCE ISSUES ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY LOCAL BIG ’I’ REPRESENTATIVES AND LEGISLATORS.

On Friday, April 18 a group of agents from the IIAA of Suffolk Co and the Tri-County Agents Association met with Assembly Insurance Committee Chair Joe Morelle and a group of Long Island Assembly Members.  Joining Chairman Morelle were Assemblywoman Ginny Fields, who hosted the meeting in her Bayport office, Assemblywoman Patty Eddington, Assemblymen Phil Boyle and Mark Alessi, and a representative from Assembly Fred Thiele's office.

Representing Suffolk Co were Tom Crowley, Mike Romeo, John Mulvey, John Stype and Jim Sutton.  Representing Tri-County were Frank Elorza, Evan Portnoy, Steve Visco, Ken Hehir, and Steve Folan.  I also attended the meeting.

Tom Crowley did an outstanding job leading the discussion and Assemblyman Morelle and the other legislators were very open in the discussion. They were very interested in our suggestion of legislation that would create incentives for insurers who offer an HO-3 wrap.  You will recall that legislation drafted by IIABNY last year died in the Assembly so this is a major advance. Attached is a draft of a message we will be sending out to members on Monday that summarizes the key points of the discussion.  Tom Crowley and Tim Dodge will be finalizing the document before we distribute it.

This was the second agents meeting we've had with Assemblyman Morelle in as many weeks (he met in our office with the IIAA of Central NYon April 10) and clearly he believes in a free market approach whenever possible. In his words, consumers need choices in the marketplace and while the protection of consumer rights is important, he does not believe in creating an environment that neglects the business environment.

Kathleen A. Weinheimer, CPCU, AAI

Senior VP of Industry Relations & Education

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of NY Inc.