Pennsylvania has enacted legislation that would establish a Personal Financial Literacy course in high schools beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This NAIFA-PA supported measure will help to advance the financial and economic skills of seniors entering the job market and higher education in future years. State Sen. Chris Gebhard shepherded the legislation through the General Assembly and it was recently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro as Act 35 of 2023. Pic: Incoming NAIFA-PA President Paul Valerio and Brian Worrell meet with Sen. Gebhard (center) during recent Day on the Hill in Harrisburg.

NAIFA-Pennsylvania held its Day on the Hill this past week. Attendees heard from PA Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and met with numerous legislators in the state capitol. The members visited Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and many other members of the House and Senate. They advocated for passage of a financial literacy bill and on other issues of importance to the agent and advisor community.

NAIFA-PA will be holding its Day on the Hill and Leadership in Life Institute graduation in Harrisburg, Oct. 2-3, at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill. The event will also feature Capitol Hill visits, updates from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and our annual President's Dinner. Stay tuned, registration open soon.

NAIFA-PA fielded a delegation of 25 to the 2023 Congressional Conference in DC. Led by NAIFA-PA President Tracy Russo-Keesey, they held numerous meetings with Congressional Members and staff, lobbying on financial security issues. Thanks to all of our members who attended: Drew Shumski, Brian Worrell, Adam Bykowski, Randy Kaufmann, Carina Hatfield, Trish May, Bob DiCola, Christine Pikutis-Musuneggi, Chris Musuneggi, Paul Valerio, Bronwyn Martin, Steve Petrungaro, Brad Small, Sherrie Coburn, Tom O'Neill, Gregory Fat, John Fauzey, Georgia Chletcos, Greg Dexter, Yemi Alo-Faleye and Edward Boksan. Picture: Steve Petrungaro and Congressman Mike Kelly.

NAIFA-Pennsylvania recently held its Annual Golf Outing in Harrisburg. The weather was great for a super turnout of over 120 golfers, numerous sponsors and friends. Thanks to all of the organizers including Steve Clemens, Craig Ritter, Gerry Wevodau and Rose Snow and thanks to all of our great sponsors!

NAIFA National Trustee and Membership Chair Carina Hatfield, NAIFA-PA Membership Co-Chair Jim Boyd and State Executive Jan Hartman recently visited the New York Life Office in Harrisburg to take the membership message to potential members. Thank you to Rahim Solehdin, Managing Partner, for his assistance with the visit.

The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee reported out the "Keystone Saves" bill, HB 577, by a 12-9 vote this week. The bill would establish an automatic payroll deduction IRA, administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through payroll deductions by employers. NAIFA-PA has been working to defeat the bill, with State President Tracy Russo-Keesey, writing to committee members asking them to consider improvements to  retirement options made by the U.S. Congress in the SECURE 2.0 Act and pointing out the questionable track record of other states in offering similar programs. NAIFA-PA will continue to work against the legislation, which may be considered by the full house as early as the week of May 22.

NAIFA-PA has begun its 2023 Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) Class. Led by moderator Carina Hatfield and co-moderator Lou Pettinato, the class has seven participants. They are: Scott Gola, Truist Investment Services, Jason Kreider, KinG Brokerage/Kreider Insurance Group, Bronwyn Martin, Martin's Financial Consulting Group, Joseph LoStracco, Flagship Financial LLC, Lesley Mann, GBU Life, Paul Szkotak, New York Life and Adam Schopp, Kaufmann Financial Group/Pruco Securities. LILI is a six-month leadership development program devoted to advancing personal growth and professional success.

NAIFA-GREATER PHILADELPHIA recently honored its Rising Stars for 2023. These up-and-comers are selected by a committee intent on recognizing the best characteristics of advisors in the industry. The honorees are from left, Greg Dexter, New York Life, moderator, Dawn Grandstrom, New York Life, Adam Bykowski, Mass Mutual Eastern PA, Tim Price, Mass Mutual Greater Philadelphia, Brian Walls, Northwestern Mutual, Anthony Correra, MBA, CLTC, and Natalie Petrongola, New York Life. Congratulations to all of the Rising Stars for 2023.