Congratulations to State Sen. Chris Gebhard, prime sponsor of SB 1241. The bill was signed by Governor Shapiro, making it Act 142 of 2024. The bill eliminates the pre-licensing education requirements for individuals taking the exam for state insurance producer licenses. It also institutes a requirement for 3 hours of Ethics continuing education and 2 hours of flood insurance for Property and Casualty agents. The bill becomes effective in 180 days and licensees have additional time to get the required courses in their license cycle. NAIFA-PA members lobbied in favor of the bill at their recent Day on the Hill in Harrisburg.

NAIFA-PA looks forward to returning to Scranton for its Legislative Breakfast, to be held at the Scranton Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, in March of 2025. Moderated by the indefatigable Walter Mitchell, the Breakfast has proven to be entertaining and informative for legislators and NAIFA members alike. Don't miss it!

NAIFA-PA Members came to Harrisburg recently for the annual Day on the Hill festivities. Members visited numerous legislators and staff and heard from NAIFA National President Tom Cothron and PA Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. They also honored Kent Bennett for his lifetime of service to IFAPAC and to political action. Thanks to Greenlee Partners for their assistance with the event. Pic: Members catch up with State Rep. Brandon Markosek in his capitol office.

NAIFA-PA has selected Past President John Hynes (2016-17) for its highest award, The Keystone Award for 2024. John is a US Army veteran and began in sales at eight-years-old and by twelve had his own paper route with his own employees. In 1972 he began working for United Life Insurance where he won several sales awards. In 1978 he started with Allstate Insurance Company, where he worked for 35 years. Of those, he owned his own agency for 15 years and placed in the top 10% of all agents company wide. While working for Allstate, John became affiliated with NAIFA. He held positions with NAIFA at the local, regional, and state level. As a local association President, he was renowned for his successful legislative programs. John is also involved in his community's rotary, chamber of commerce, charity organizations, and politics. He largely credits his wife Vi for her support throughout his career. He is a proud fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, Penguins, Penn State, and University of Pittsburgh sports teams. He will be honored at a luncheon in the Pittsburgh area later this year.

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 returns to Harrisburg Oct. 7-8 for its annual Day on the Hill. Attendees will hear from PA Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and will meet with numerous legislators in the state capitol. They will be lobbying on various insurance and financial services and related issues. "This a great opportunity for our members to do some hands-on advocacy," said NAIFA-PA President Paul Valerio. 

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 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-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.