Advocacy
IFAPAC APIC
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & FACTS
A: NAIFAPAC is a separate fund that supports the campaigns of candidates for public office who understand issues important to life and health underwriters. IFAPAC’s goal is to advance the legislative and regulatory interests of life underwriters.
Q: Who can contribute to IFAPAC?
A: Any American citizen can contribute to NAIFAPAC, however, only members of life underwriters associations may be solicited to do so. Donated funds must be personal, not corporate. Contributions must be voluntary. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Q: How effective is IFAPAC?
A: Of approximately 4,000 political action committees (PACs) registered with the Federal Election Commission, NAIFAPAC ranks in the top 1 percent. In the 1996 election cycle, NAIFAPAC contributed approximately $1.5 million to federal candidates and party committees. Since contributions to IFAPAC are shared between the national and the state IFAPACs, an additional $1.5 million was available for state races. IFAPAC is the largest PAC in the insurance industry – bigger than the number two and three insurance PACs combined.
Q: Is there a need for IFAPAC in years when there are no federal elections?
A: Absolutely! The candidate evaluation and support processes go on all the time. PACs which have the resources to make contributions when candidates need them most are highly visible in the political arena. NAIFAPAC occasionally makes debt-retirement contributions following elections and many states hold elections in odd-numbered years.
Q: Who decides where the funds go?
A: On the national level, contributions are determined by a Candidate Selection Subcommittee, which is made up of six NAIFA members appointed by the president of NAIFA. On the state level, contributions to candidates are made via a similar volunteer committee process. In addition, input from state and local association officers and contributors is vital to IFAPAC’s ability to make informed decisions regarding which candidates should receive campaign support. IFAPAC encourages contributors to provide factual information on candidates.
Q: Who can I contact for further information?
A: Call your local or state association
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APIC Program
Our system of representative government is designed to enable each and everyone of us to provide our input to the key elected officials on issues that concern us. NAIFA's Advisors Political Involvement Committee (APIC) puts to good use our country's founding fathers' plan of "we the people, by the people." APIC harnesses the power of over 100,000 agents and channels it where it can have the greatest legislative impact.
APIC oversees a database of thousands of insurance agents who have volunteered to be part of NAIFA's nationally- recognized legislative action team. When federal legislation hits a crucial point in the legislative process on Capitol Hill, NAIFA activates its contact system and agents all around the country communicate NAIFA's message on Capitol Hill about issues that affect their livelihoods. This contact takes place in the form of letters, faxes, phone calls and face-to-face meetings in the district and in Washington, D.C.
In short, you DO have the means to protect your livelihood from unwarranted changes. All it takes is your involvement and participation. As stated clearly in the above quote by Sen. Thad Cochran, if you don't help shape legislation by providing your input and expertise to your elected officials, you can be sure that someone else will. Your involvement in APIC at NAIFA assures that elected officials will hear your views on critical issues. By joining APIC, you will be on the legislative front line.