January 25, 2019
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Convention is next month!

With everything that is happening in our industry, one needs to be sure to stay informed. Attend our annual event, February 18-20 at the Amway Grand and hear state and national perspectives!
Big discussion this week on MAIA's Online Community Discussion site - The MIX. Topic? Gun Liability and Insurance. Check it out at www.michagent.org. Need your login credentials reset? Email Jen.
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Michigan IIA Day to Celebrate You!
This year, February 20, 2019 will be Independent Insurance Agents Day in Michigan. In one of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s first state proclamations of her administration, she has recognized the importance of the independent agency system in Michigan.

The Governor’s proclamation joins with MAIA to applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of independent insurance agents who are small, medium and large businesses working to make a difference in every community throughout the state.

It recognizes both the economic and the personal impact independent agents make in their communities every day. Independent agents offer a wide range of insurance solutions to help protect individuals, families and businesses from financial hardship. At the same time, independent agents give back countless dollars and hours in charitable contributions and volunteer efforts to better their local communities.

Independent Insurance Agents Day will take place and be celebrated during MAIA’s Annual Convention. 
MAIA Visits New DIFS Director

Thursday, MAIA CEO Bev Barney, Government Affairs Director Matt Wesolek and SVP Communications/Member Services Kari Quimby paid new Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox a visit.

Those in attendance included, standing: DIFS Office of Policy, Research and Communication Director Chad Arnold, Matt Wesolek, Director Anita Fox, Bev Barney, and Kari Quimby. Sitting: DIFS Chief Deputy Director Teri Morante, Office of Insurance Licensing and Market Conduct Director Michele Riddering, and Office of General Counsel Director Randall Gregg.
Pass-Through Tax Regulation for Agencies
Big “I” Posts Video on New Tax Regulation 
Charles Symington, Big "I" Sr. VP, External, Industry and Govt. Affairs, explains why you need to know about the new tax regulation for pass-through agencies and how it could boost your bottom line.
Free Webinar Next Week on Final Pass-Through Tax Regulation
The Big "I" is hosting a FREE 30-minute webinar next Wednesday, January 30 at 2:30 p.m. covering the final regulations on the new tax deduction for qualified business income under section 199A of the Tax Code. The webinar will provide a comprehensive explanation of how the new tax deduction benefits pass-through owners and shareholders, including an overview of specific sections of the over 200-page regulation relevant to insurance agencies and brokerages. The webinar will also quickly highlight how the regulation was drafted and the role that the Big “I" played in those efforts.  
Big "I" Weighs in on House Introduction of “Cadillac” Tax Repeal
Today, Big “I” ” President & CEO Bob Rusbuldt released the following statement regarding the introduction of the “Cadillac” tax repeal: 

“The Big ’I’ fully supports repealing the harmful ‘Cadillac’ tax and is grateful to Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) and Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania) for introducing this critical legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This destructive tax will do irreparable damage to the employee benefits marketplace. It is imperative that Congress protect the employer sponsored health care system for the 181 million Americans who depend on it. The Big “I” looks forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration and leaders in Congress to ensure this tax never sees the light of day." 
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