14 April 2014
Dear Friend,
One of the most important
parts of my job is to communicate with and listen to the people I
represent. I am reaching out to you today to provide an update on recent
legislative proposals I have supported which might be of interest you.
Storm
Scammers: This session, I
supported legislation to protect our insurers, agents, consumers and
contractors from unscrupulous out-of-state “storm scammer” contractors
by prohibiting them from promising to rebate an insurance deductible as
an incentive for a consumer to enter into a contract. [Act 24]
Agent
Appointment Fees: The
Legislature took steps to repeal harmful, job-killing taxes and fees by
passing nearly $2 billion in tax relief, including a reduction of agent
appointment fees that more than doubled in 2009 under the Doyle
Administration. By reducing these fees, we hope to lower retaliatory
costs and penalties being imposed by other states. [Acts
20 and
145]
Electronic Proof/Electronic Delivery:
We have also made progress in bringing the insurance marketplace in line
with 21st century technology. I supported legislation that
provides all insurers the ability to send insurance notices and
documents electronically [Act 73]. Another bill I supported allows
policyholders the option to provide electronic proof of insurance on a
mobile or other electronic device [Act 31]. Both bills will enhance
consumer choice and help reduce administrative costs as insurance
companies look to provide more documents electronically.
Navigators: With the
implementation of federal health insurance exchanges, it was important
that our state establish strict regulation of “navigators” to protect
consumers and to preserve the role of the insurance agent in the
marketplace. The budget created reasonable regulations for navigators
such as licensure, testing, training, background checks, and a proof of
financial responsibility requirement in order to protect consumers from
unqualified individuals seeking to offer health insurance advice. This
measure will help ensure that navigators are not doing the job of
insurance agents who have the training and a better understanding of
these complex financial decisions and options. [Act 20]
Travel
Insurance: I supported a bill
to ensure that reasonable regulations are in place for the sale of
travel insurance by allowing the state insurance department to issue a
travel insurance producer license. It also helps distinguish between
agents and individuals who are approved by the state to sell travel
insurance, but are not licensed insurers. [Act
212]
I am proud of my record
when it comes to limiting government, lowering our tax burden and
promoting economic prosperity for all Wisconsinites. I will continue to
fight against over-reaching government insurance mandates and will
advocate for laws that preserve the role of the agent and customer in
determining what’s best for them.
Thank you for giving me
the opportunity to serve as your state representative. Please don’t
hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other
issues you feel are important to moving our state forward.
Sincerely,
State Representative
67th
Assembly District
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