SA Members Support Agent Fees

November, 1999 - The year 2000 legislative session, which begins in March, could be significant to your bottom line.   Why, you ask?

In September's President's Corner I wrote about agent fees, and solicited your views on the issue.

The response was not overwhelming, but the mandate was clear as to your wishes for SA's direction for the coming year -- continue to fight for clarification of informed consent in the sale of ancillary products and push for legalization of agent fees in addition to commissions.

However, being in favor of fees and getting this type of legislation through the House and Senate are two entirely different issues.

With the commissioner focusing on his Senate campaign, the best that we can hope for is a neutral position where the Department would neither endorse fees nor oppose them.

Those who covet the soon-to-be-vacated commissioner's office may be reluctant to support such a strong pro-agent bill because of the perceived political fallout. It is hard to understand how making sure that all parts of the insurance distribution system remain economically viable is anti-consumer.

I suggest that each of us, all 25,000 of us, give strong consideration to the candidates' positions on agent issues before we cast our vote in November. A candidate who would not support such a vital agent bill during the legislative session should not get our vote in November, regardless of the political party.

Remember, 25,000 P&C agents, our spouses, our customers and friends represent a sizeable voting block.

To influence others in the Legislature who are not running for commissioner, we need to help them raise money for their campaigns.

Here's where you come in.

Some of you are active in the political process and contribute to your favorite candidates. Some of you avoid politics, avoid political contributions and keep a low profile.

It is time for you to get off the sidelines and into the game. To launch an effective legislative campaign, we need a minimum of $50,000 in our PAC Fund accounts. This money will be used by SA for contributions to the campaign accounts of important legislators who can help in our push for fees.

Unite reaches over 7,000 agents each month. If each of you sent a check for $7.50, we would reach our goal. However, many of you will just sit on your assets and not invest in your future. Realizing that apathy abounds, I am asking you to send Specialty Agents PAC a check for $25-$50-$100-$250 or $500. You do not have to be a member of Specialty Agents, just an agent who feels the need to increase his or her bottom line.

If we are successful in getting a $50 application fee, just imagine what it will mean to you and your agency. If you write 100 new applications a month, times $50 ... equals $5,000 per month in additional, fully earned, income. That adds up to $60,000 per year. That's what a $100 or $500 contribution could mean to you.

Of course, you could just ride our coattails, let someone else contribute, and reap the benefits, for nothing. A more likely scenario is the following: Without your contribution we may not have enough money to get the job done. It is a risk you cannot afford to take.

Make your check payable to: Specialty Agents PAC and mail to Specialty Agents, PO Box 163107, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716. For credit cards, call Michele at 1-888-290-8436. Do it today!