SIIA’s New Grassroots Lobbying and Political Action Network Used by Members Bob Shupe and Ken Martino
MyHealthGuide Source: The Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), 9/1/2011, www.SIIA.org
In the past month, SIIA’s new Grassroots Lobbying and Political Action Network has been successfully engaging members in the political process both on and off Capitol Hill. As Congress returns from their summer recess, the goal is to continue to mobilize members to get involved from the Grassroots level to help support SIIA’s direct lobbying efforts of “protecting and promoting” the self-insurance and Alternative-Risk-Transfer industries.Who’s On The Hill?
Bob Shupe, President of ESPinc.
This month, Bob Shupe, President of ESPinc., met with Michael Schulz, Nashville Field Representative for Sen. Lamar Alexander. They discussed protecting self-funded employer-based delivery of healthcare and Association Health Plans.
“My experience has been that the visits at home have the greatest impact. I have also found that the legislative staff of SIIA is by far one of the most supportive in our industry, ” says Shupe. “All I have to do is say yes when asked to make a visit. They arrange the visit to my schedule and give me all the tools I need to be productive when I make the call. All members of SIIA owe it to themselves first and then to their industry to participate in the process. Sign up today and make a difference. Also, don’t forget to make a PAC contribution every chance you get.”
Ken Martino, President and CEO of Broadspire
Also this month, Ken Martino, President and CEO of Broadspire, met with Camila Knowles, State Director and General Counsel for Sen. Saxby Chambliss in Atlanta. They discussed employer health, Risk-Retention Groups, and Medicare Set Asides and their use in the claim settlement process.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Senator Chambliss’s staff by participating in the Grassroots Initiative,” says Martino. “The Senator’s staff was very receptive to meeting with SIIA to get information on topics important to our industry. They feel SIIA is the expert in this area, and can help direct their attention and efforts to assist us in making the legislative agenda work for business. They genuinely appreciate our assistance in pointing them in the right direction. There are so many issues being discussed it is hard for them to always identify the important items without SIIA’s assistance.”
Upcoming Meetings
- Stu Thompson, CEO of The Builders Group, meeting with Congressman John Kline in Eagan, MN.
- Jim LeRoy, Senior Vice President of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, meeting Sen. Al Franken and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in D.C.
- Bob Madden, , Vice President of First Niagra Benefits Consulting, meeting with Sen. Gillibrand in Buffalo, NY.
Why Participate in the Grassroots Initiative?
Grassroots participation at the local level is essential to the strength of any association, and SIIA is no exception. Participation in this initiative helps to develop relationships with Members of Congress who support the legislative goals of the self-insurance and Alternative-Risk-Transfer industries and allows policy-makers to see the personal impact of legislation by putting a face to an issue.
We are up to more than 70 SIIA members who have expressed an interest in participating. In the past month, we have secured meetings between our members and their Representatives both on Capitol Hill and in their home areas, and are in the process of securing dozens more in the coming months. With Congress back in session after August recess, the timing has never been better to participate in this ambitious initiative.
Getting Involved is Easy
For SIIA members interested in meeting with their elected-representatives either in Washington, DC or in their home area, SIIA makes it easy to do so. “We coordinate the scheduling, provide you with talking points, and can even have one of our lobbyists join you for your meetings. Literally all you have to do is show up,” Jay Fahrer, SIIA Government Relations Director.
About SIIA
The Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA) is a dynamic, member-based association dedicated to protecting and promoting the business interests of companies involved in the self-insurance/alternative risk transfer (ART) industry, both domestically and internationally. Contact SIIA Government Relations Director Jay Fahrer at 202/463-8161, jfahrer@siia.org and visit www.SIIA.org.
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