84R6971 BK-D
By: Crownover H.R. No. 217
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Distinguished representatives from the National
Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Texas
Association of Life and Health Insurers are gathering at the State
Capitol on January 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Texans today enjoy a vibrant, diversified economy in
which growth and opportunity are present in many areas of endeavor;
the life and health insurance industry plays a significant role in
the continued prosperity of the state, contributing not only to the
financial security and well-being of the citizens of Texas but also
providing state revenue, employment opportunities, and support for
community development efforts; and
WHEREAS, The insurance industry employed more than 247,000
Texans in 2013, providing an aggregate payroll of $15.8 billion;
according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas is
home to close to 30,000 insurance agents, and three Texas
cities--Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio--rank among the top 10
cities in the country with the greatest number of insurance
employees; some 17.4 million Texans are covered by private health
plans, and the individual, group, and credit life insurance
policies held by state residents are valued at $2.2 trillion; and
WHEREAS, Texas insurers invest billions of dollars in the
economy by purchasing state and local government bonds, corporate
stocks and bonds, mortgage loans, and real estate; at the close of
2013, insurers held Texas municipal bonds valued at $53.4 billion,
financing public works projects across the state; moreover, it is
estimated that insurance premium taxes and fees will generate $3.5
billion in revenue during the 2014-2015 biennium, representing an
increase of 6.3 percent from 2012-2013; and
WHEREAS, The 2,600 Texas-based members of the National
Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors offer consumers
assistance with life insurance and annuities, health insurance and
employee benefits, and personal finances; since 1890, NAIFA has
upheld its mission of advocating for a positive legislative and
regulatory environment while promoting ethical conduct and
professional skills development among its membership; and
WHEREAS, The firms that belong to the Texas Association of
Life and Health Insurers provide life insurance, annuities,
long-term care, disability income, and health insurance products to
Texas consumers; together, the companies that belong to TALHI are
responsible for more than 50 percent of the premiums of all business
written in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Through their dedicated efforts, the members of
these two organizations are demonstrating their continued
commitment to the economic vitality of the Lone Star State, and
their legislative day is a welcome opportunity to acknowledge the
important services they provide; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize January 27, 2015, as Life and Health
Insurance Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the
delegations from TALHI and NAIFA who are visiting Austin; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the associations as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.