PIA members from around the nation converged on Washington, D.C. on May 10 for its 2023 Advocacy Day.

Agents met with Senators, Representatives, and legislative staffers to discuss PIA’s key legislative issues. Among PIA’s top issues were a request to the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) to reinstate the inflation adjustment for crop agents; the need for the long-term reauthorization and reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) prior to its scheduled expiration on Sept. 30, 2023; and PIA-backed legislation to repeal the Federal Insurance Office (FIO).

PIA members’ meetings with policymakers had an immediate impact on several issues, including the addition of new co-sponsors to PIA-supported legislation and successful advocacy for policymakers to move forward in the near term on legislation that reflects PIA’s priorities.

North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven is Named PIA’s 2023 Legislator of the Year

PIA’s 2023 Advocacy Day culminated in the presentation of the 2023 PIA Legislator of the Year Award to Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). The Senator graciously accepted the award during a visit to PIA’s reception on Capitol Hill and, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation for PIA members’ advocacy on behalf of independent agents.

PIA chose to honor Sen. Hoeven in recognition of his steadfast leadership in defending the federal crop insurance program and his ongoing work on the Farm Bill. The Senator has been a tireless champion of independent agents and the role they play in delivering crop insurance to farmers. He has also been enormously supportive of PIA’s efforts to ensure independent agents are fairly compensated for their work in selling and servicing crop insurance products.

Sen. Hoeven’s leadership on crop insurance issues remains vital as Congress develops the upcoming Farm Bill. PIA appreciates his leadership, and we look forward to continuing to work with him over the coming months. You can read PIA’s press release on its 2023 Legislator of the Year Award here.