Advocating for You at the 2026 Big “I” Legislative Conference 

Big “I” Nebraska was thrilled to be able to take nine people to the annual IIABA Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. last week.

Nebraska was well represented, with attendees from the IIAN executive committee, Young Agents committee, and our State National Director, who now chairs the Crop Insurance Subcommittee for IIABA.

Our agents met with all members of Nebraska’s federal delegation including Congressman Don Bacon, Senator Deb Fischer, Congressman Mike Flood, Senator Pete Ricketts and Congressman Adrian Smith.

Key topics for this year’s visits included further discussion on curbing legal system abuse, maintaining the National Flood Insurance Program, disaster mitigation, and renewal of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which helps ensure coverage for certified acts of terrorism through a public-private partnership.

Check out the Big “I” Issues Summary to learn about these issues in more detail.   

The group was able to hear from a variety of legislative leaders including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill (R-AR), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), and Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA), who served as an executive at Liberty Mutual prior to elected office.

During the General Session at the Big “I” Legislative Conference, Angela Ripley, Big “I” chairman, outlined how relationships remain the driving force behind the independent agency system, touching on advocacy wins, new member-focused initiatives, emerging technology and the association’s long-term strategy for supporting the talent pipeline.

Big “I” Nebraska was recognized for achieving “Eagle” status for InsurPac contributions! This is our 10th consecutive Eagle award, and in 2025, Nebraska was one of the top states for InsurPac fundraising.  

We couldn’t do this without the leadership of our PAC co-chairs, Vince Christensen and Bob Hoppe. Thank you to everyone who supports InsurPac and IIANPAC.

This event was a great opportunity to see how the money that we donate to InsurPAC is used, get first-hand information on national legislation, and network with other industry leaders and partners.

Watch for more legislative updates from Big “I” Nebraska!