Welcome – as the new Chair of our state association’s state legislative committee (known as General Assembly Action Committee), I want to use this space to prepare you for upcoming public policy issues and educate you on recent actions in Raleigh. If you have any questions, or want to be more involved, please email me at davidcurtissmith@gmail.com or call 919-491-4321.
We are incredibly fortunate to work with Joe Stewart, who also serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs with our sister agent association, the Independent Insurance Agents of NC. Joe’s work for our members and our profession have given us great opportunities to be involved in the health care debates in the General Assembly the last four years and allowed us to influence both the process and the outcome of many pieces of legislation.
With the 2021-22 short session having just adjourned, there isn’t a lot to tell you right now since the members of the House and Senate focused almost exclusively on revisions to the state budget. There remain hints and rumors that there may be another session later in the fall or after the election to consider more seriously the Medicaid expansion question – we will be sure to keep you up to date on that issue as well.
In the meantime, this is a great time to get out and meet the candidates seeking election this fall. With 120 House and 50 Senate seats open, make sure you know who is running and see what you can find out about their interests and knowledge about health care policy issues. Be sure to offer your expertise and perspective and don’t be afraid to help those who you agree with by giving your time, talent and treasure (money!).
And please consider making a contribution to our State PAC to support our legislative work in the years to come.
David C. Smith