December 2023 Legislative Report

A message from the State Legislative Management Team (LMT)

We’d like to a take a moment and introduce you to the Legislative Management Team for the Virginia Chapter of NABIP.

LOBBYIST

• Chris West  Jackson West Consulting 

Chapter Legislative Chairs

• Erica Montoya Central Chapter Chair 

• Sam Cousins Eastern Chapter Chair 

• Devon Travis Southwest Chapter Chair 

• Gary Cox At large member

• Amy Mutter At large member 

• Chris Renkar State Chair 

State Update:

Chris West is of the mindset and the LMT agrees we needed to arrive early on in session and re-introduce ourselves due to the hiatus we’ve had with the pandemic and construction of the new GA building. State General Session opens January 10, 2024. We are holding a Day on The Hill Event on January 16, 2024. We will meet with specific assembly members early that morning and wrap up with a jam-packed luncheon at Capital Ale House in downtown Richmond. An incredible menu has been confirmed, Matt Irvine with Health Equity will be teaching a fantastic CE course, speaker panel from stakeholders within our industry and Chris West is pursuing 2-3 senior State Congressional Leaders to visit with us.

Per Chris West

With over 30 freshman members coming onboard in the State House and State Senate, there's a prime opportunity this year for our association to foster new connections and strengthen bonds, amplifying our legislative influence. The return of our Day on the Hill after a hiatus of several years presents an ideal chance to engage not only with these fresh faces but also with the leaders of the House, Senate, and key committees that directly impact your businesses, clients, and the products and services you offer. I strongly encourage everyone, if possible, to make a sincere effort to attend this year's lobby day in Richmond. Bear in mind, this is a brand-new building, and as we will be there early on in session, we’re hopeful for many solid meetings as staff will be very welcoming to constituents and visitors.

The LMT will have weekly meetings starting the first week of the New Year and will continue for a week after session ends. Peeking under the hood of the LMT - Every week we review every bill that may or may not be of interest to our member. We decide what we will follow (endorse/oppose) simply monitor and finally eliminate off our hot sheet. To give you an idea – there were over 400+ bills that were introduced last year that we put eyes on during the session.

Erica Montoya – Central Legislative Chair