Nick Arnoldy, owner/broker at Marshfield Insurance, traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to meet with members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation as part of the 2026 Big “I” Legislative Conference. Arnoldy met with Senator Ron Johnson, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Congressman Glenn Grothman on Thursday during Capitol Hill appointments.
During those meetings, Arnoldy joined fellow industry representatives in discussing several key policy issues affecting independent insurance agents, consumers, and the broader insurance marketplace. Those priorities included legal reform, disaster mitigation, flood insurance, terrorism risk insurance, and health care affordability and transparency.
Among the top concerns was legal reform, particularly efforts to address abusive litigation practices and increase transparency around third-party litigation funding. Unchecked lawsuit financing can drive up costs across the insurance system, ultimately increasing premiums for consumers and businesses.
“Independent agents see firsthand how public policy decisions affect the cost and availability of coverage. We’re in Washington to make sure lawmakers understand the real-world impact these issues have on Wisconsin families, businesses, and insurance consumers.”
Arnoldy and his colleagues also advocated for stronger disaster mitigation policies. Those efforts included support for proactive resilience measures such as wildfire mitigation, tax treatment that encourages homeowners to invest in catastrophe-resistant improvements, and reforms aimed at improving FEMA’s effectiveness.
“Investing in mitigation before disaster strikes is one of the smartest steps we can take. Stronger homes, stronger communities, and a more resilient insurance market benefit everyone.”
Flood insurance was another major focus. The Big “I” issue papers supported long-term reauthorization and modernization of the National Flood Insurance Program before its scheduled expiration, while also backing reforms that would allow consumers to move between private flood coverage and NFIP policies without penalty.
The group also urged Congress to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, an essential public-private partnership that helps preserve stability in the commercial insurance market. In addition, attendees discussed health care policy, including protection of employer-sponsored coverage and support for greater price transparency for patients, employers, and brokers.
“These conversations are important because independent agents are on the front lines. We help clients navigate risk every day, and we want to ensure federal policy supports affordable, accessible, and sustainable insurance options.”
The Washington trip was part of a broader legislative conference that brought together independent agents and brokers from across the country for meetings, policy discussions, and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Arnoldy also participated in additional conference and board activities during the week in his role as Wisconsin’s State National Director for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.