When the VCIA surveys members to find out what we do that provides the greatest value, it is our legislative advocacy that usually comes out on top. It is also a defining differentiator for us, as we are the only captive association to have active advocacy in place at both a state and federal level.  Additionally, we closely watch the proceedings at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as they work on model legislation and standards that will affect the industry. I’m excited to get our advocacy work started this year with our annual Montpelier Legislative Day next week.

It’s our first in-person Legislative Day since 2020 before the pandemic, and the VCIA Board, staff, and legislative committee members are eager to engage with the lawmakers who will eventually finalize, pass and bring our 2023 captive bill to Governor Scott’s desk to sign and put into law.

The schedule of events for the day goes something like this: a Board meeting immediately before the Statehouse activities, with a general session open to the public at the tail end of the meeting; an informal lunch at the classy Capitol Plaza, a stones throw away from the Statehouse. This lunch will be a great opportunity to meet with select legislators and talk to them off the record about what VCIA does and why the captive industry is vital to the Vermont economy.

All our advocacy work has resulted in a ‘spend’ by the VCIA of $1.6M in the last 19 years and is one of the reasons why we consistently live up to the Gold Standard. It is through these efforts that Vermont’s statutes remain industry-leading, and that we have a strong voice in Washington DC and beyond.

Afterwards, we will head over to the golden dome and share official testimony in front of the Senate Finance Committee and then the House Commerce Committee. Board Chair Tracy Hassett will provide her company edHealth’s compelling captive story, explaining why Vermont was their domicile of choice. Legislative Committee Chair Ben Gould of Paul Frank and Collins PC will discuss the process undertaken by VCIA and the DFR in crafting a bill for the legislature to consider and amend. My job will be to tell the VCIA story: how we are the bridge between the Vermont captive regulators and our members and stakeholders; how we serve as in indispensable educational resource for the entire industry; and how we bring major tourism revenue to Burlington and Vermont through our Annual Conference, one of the largest in the state.

Both Senate and House testimony will be livestreamed on the respective Senate Finance and House Commerce YouTube channels. The Statehouse continues to have a visitor policy that prevents us from inviting all of our members; however, to make up for this, we will be providing an in-depth Special Legislative Day report exclusive to VCIA members.

With great turnover within the Vermont legislature after the November 2022 elections, this Legislative Day is an important educational mission that will enlighten new lawmakers on the scope and dearth of the VCIA and the Vermont Captive Industry. We will be providing updated Fact Sheets with the big numbers that back up our claims, while presenting new information to both committees ahead of their consideration of the 2023 captive insurance bill.

I am excited to represent your interests at this, my first legislative day for the VCIA, and I will be sure to keep you informed of all of our efforts in this area on your behalf. Please reach out to me directly with any feedback!