The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies said Kansas State Sen. Ruth Teichman, R-Stafford and New York State Sen. Jim Seward, R/C-Oneonta have been selected as NAMIC's State Legislators of the Year.

“Senators Teichman and Seward are both outstanding legislators firmly committed to efficient and competitive insurance markets,” said Chuck Chamness, president and chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based NAMIC.

“Both senators played crucial roles this year in ensuring passage of regulatory modernization proposals in their respective states,” he noted.

Sen. Teichman chairs the Kansas Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. In 2008, she sponsored “flex-rating” legislation based on the National Conference of Insurance Legislators model, NAMIC said.

The organization said the measure will benefit consumers by encouraging more insurers to enter Kansas insurance markets, enhancing competition. Sen. Teichman also served for two years as chair of the NCOIL Property/Casualty Committee.

“Senator Teichman has an impressive record of sponsoring and ensuring passage of legislative proposals critical to the proper functioning of insurance markets,” said Mr. Chamness.

New York's Sen. Seward, NAMIC said, played a crucial role this year in gaining passage of a comprehensive regulatory modernization package that included a 5 percent flex-band. “This legislation will bring more competition to the New York market and will benefit consumers,” Mr. Chamness remarked.

In addition to serving as insurance committee chair, Sen. Seward is an active member of NCOIL. He currently serves as president-elect and has formerly served as chair of the NCOIL State and Federal Committee.

“Senator Seward has an outstanding record of supporting proposals to improve the functioning and efficiency of insurance regulatory structure in New York,” Mr. Chamness said.

The award will be presented to the two recipients at the NAMIC Annual Convention due to be held Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 in Philadelphia.