In the past month, SIIA's new Grassroots Lobbying and Political Action Network has been successfully engaging our members in the political process both on and off Capitol Hill. Our goal, as Congress returns from their summer recess, is to continue to mobilize our members to get involved from the Grassroots level to help support SIIA's direct lobbying efforts of "protecting and promoting" the self-insurance and Alternative-Risk-Transfer industries.

For nearly three decades, SIIA has achieved great success in representing the interests of our members in Washington, DC, but as challenges and opportunities continue to mount, it is imperative that we also continue to receive your gracious support.

We want to keep you updated on the most recent Grassroots news and developments, so read on to find out how you can become involved!

This month, Bob Shupe, President of ESPinc., met with Michael Schulz, Nashville Field Representative for Sen. Lamar Alexander. They discussed protecting self-funded-employer-based delivery of healthcare and Association Health Plans.

"My experience has been that the visits at home have the greatest impact. I have also found that the legislative staff of SIIA is by far one of the most supportive in our industry. All I have to do is say yes when asked to make a visit. They arrange the visit to my schedule and give me all the tools I need to be productive when I make the call. All members of SIIA owe it to themselves first and then to their industry to participate in the process. Sign up today and make a difference. Also, don't forget to make a PAC contribution every chance you get."--Bob Shupe

Also this month, Ken Martino, President and CEO of Broadspire, met with Camila Knowles, State Director and General Counsel for Sen. Saxby Chambliss in Atlanta. They discussed employer health, Risk-Retention Groups, and Medicare Set Asides and their use in the claim settlement process.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Senator Chambliss's staff by participating in the Grassroots Initiative. The Senator's staff was very receptive to meeting with SIIA to get information on topics important to our industry. They feel SIIA is the expert in this area, and can help direct their attention and efforts to assist us in making the legislative agenda work for business. They genuinely appreciate our assistance in pointing them in the right direction. There are so many issues being discussed it is hard for them to always identify the important items without SIIA's assistance."--Ken Martino

Upcoming Meetings to date:

Stu Thompson, CEO of The Builders Group, meeting with Congressman John Kline in Eagan, MN.

Jim LeRoy, Senior Vice President of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, meeting Sen. Al Franken and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in D.C.

Bob Madden, Vice President of First Niagra Benefits Consulting, meeting with Sen. Gillibrand in Buffalo, NY.

Why Participate in the Grassroots Initiative?

Grassroots participation at the local level is essential to the strength of any association, and SIIA is no exception. Participation in this initiative helps to develop relationships with Members of Congress who support the legislative goals of the self-insurance and Alternative-Risk-Transfer industries and allows policy-makers to see the personal impact of legislation by putting a face to an issue.

We are up to more than 70 SIIA members who have expressed an interest in participating. In the past month, we have secured meetings between our members and their Representatives both on Capitol Hill and in their home areas, and are in the process of securing dozens more in the coming months. With Congress back in session after August recess, the timing has never been better to participate in this ambitious initiative.

You can become an effective advocate for our industry and help play a crucial role in our success in Washington. Your voice can make a difference!

Getting Involved is Easy

For members interested in meeting with their elected-representatives either in Washington, DC or in their home area, SIIA makes it easy to do so. We coordinate the scheduling, provide you with talking points, and can even have one of our lobbyists join you for your meetings. Literally all you have to do is show up.

Because we know each of our members has different interests and capabilities, we have created multiple ways for members to get politically involved. In addition to meeting with the elected representatives, you can also assist with our Political Action Committee and/or recruit other employers to participate.