Keep Watchful Eye On Tax Reform, Lobbyist Warns

Of course, the DOL rule grabbed the spotlight at the Insured Retirement Institute's Marketing Conference, but another large issue deserves a prime position on stage, according to some opinions at the conference.

First, anticipation built for the DOL rule panel:

You can't read the screen, but it says "DOL #FiduciaryRule." Most anticipated #IRISummit session about to begin... pic.twitter.com/8gzx6rTzLE

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

Where a speaker had an entirely new opinion about where the rule might go:

Re: fiduciary rule, good possibility the DOL will simply "delay it forever," consultant Ken Kies says. #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

But the key issue of tax reform is starting to bubble up. A consultant from the Federal Policy Group said the opportunity can slip away with other issues grabbing all the attention. And pay attention the insurance industry should, because at least one plan slams the industry:

Re: tax reform, "We've got some very painful decisions ahead that nobody is paying attention to," says consultant Ken Kies. #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

#Obamacare needs to be resolved by Easter recess, consultant Ken Kies says. If not, tax reform by August is threatened. #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

Insurers need to be wary of former Rep. Camp's tax proposal, which would've added $50.5 billion in taxes to industry. #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

Oct. 1 important date. Likely budget fight over funding govt. "That could be another shutdown event," consultant Ken Kies says. #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017

Comprehensive tax reform likely by July 4, says consultant Ken Kies. New presidents have "opportunity to do big things." #IRISummit

— InsuranceNewsNet (@InsNewsNet) March 20, 2017