April, the month in which independent insurance agents typically flock to Washington to lobby their elected representatives, is just around the corner. Thanks to characters like Jack Abramoff, lobbying lately has fallen under a shadow. That's too bad, because it is an essential part of good, responsive government, and for the most part it's practiced without criminal intent. Certainly, it's unlikely that agents will be offering congressmen any golf trips to Scotland, but they undoubtedly will buttonhole them about issues near and dear to their hearts.

Events kick off with The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents' annual Federal Legislative Summit on April 6. The evening before, agents can attend an optional briefing on major issues affecting them. The session will be held at the Marriott Crystal City in Arlington, Va., where most out-of-town participants will be staying. The following day, PIA members will gather for breakfast on Capitol Hill. As this was written, speakers for the event had not been finalized. However, the association will present its National Distinguished Congressional Service Award to Rep. Michael Oxley (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, at the breakfast.

“Among the many reasons our members cite for honoring Rep. Oxley are his ongoing efforts throughout his tenure to advance modernization of insurance regulation in a manner that preserves the principle of state regulation, which PIA steadfastly supports,” said Ted Besesparis, a PIA spokesman. “PIA members are particularly appreciative of the fact that Rep. Oxley has made it clear that his reform proposals would not call for a federal insurance regulator, or 'czar,' and would also not call for optional federal charters.”