NU Online News Service, March 17, 3:35 p.m. EST

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents said Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La., has been given its 2010 Legislator of the Year award.

The presentation was made today during the 2010 PIA Federal Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.

A conservative Blue Dog Democrat, Mr. Melancon represents Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District covering much of the southern part of the state. He is also a former insurance agent and former member of PIA.

Mr. Melancon was instrumental in placing language in the House version of health care reform (H.R. 3962) that guarantees that licensed professional insurance agents will be able to sell health insurance policies offered through proposed health insurance exchanges.

"Charlie Melancon is someone who possesses a rare commodity on Capitol Hill: good old-fashioned common sense," said PIA National Director Richard "Richie" Clements of Chalmette, La., a member of the association's Government Affairs Committee.

"Throughout the protracted debate on health care legislation, Charlie has met with PIA repeatedly to seek out the views of professional insurance agents. As a former PIA member, he knows that professional insurance agents are part of the solution, and he believes in a free market approach that is fiscally responsible," Mr. Clements added.

Mr. Melancon joined PIA in 1982 and was active in the association until running for the Louisiana House of Representatives. He is currently running for the Senate, challenging Louisiana's incumbent Republican Senator David Vitter.

Special Reports /

Louisiana Congressman Melancon Named PIA Legislator Of The Year

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