Members of NAIFA’s New York chapter (NAIFA-NY) held a virtual meeting with officials from the state Department of Financial Services (DFS). State President Gary Cappon, CLU, LUTCF, RICP, FSCP, CLTC, provided introductions and a brief rundown of NAIFA’s advocacy work and support for the agent and advisor community and the consumers they serve. He also discussed challenges with financial product availability in the state. President-Elect Vinny Dallo, ChFC, CLU, CLTC, LUTCF, and Vice President of Advocacy Paul Sciacca presented “A Day in the Life of a Financial Professional,” highlighting how NAIFA members serve families and businesses in the state.

NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle appeared with other industry thought leaders on the National & Federal Insurance Perspective Panel at the Life Insurance Council of New York (LICONY) Annual Meeting and Planning Conference in Albany. She discussed with other panelists the top issues facing the insurance and financial services industry, the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector, issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and NAIFA’s work with the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI) to remove unnecessary barriers to recruiting new insurance professionals.

State Attorney General Letitia James dropped out of the race for governor on Thursday and said she’ll instead seek a second term as New York’s chief law-enforcement official.

“I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,” James said in a prepared statement.

“There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job. I am running for re-election to complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do.”

The move followed heavy criticism from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo that James’ investigation of sexual harassment allegations against him was politically motivated.

Cuomo resigned in August, one week after James — using outside investigators — released a report that accused him of harassing 11 women, including nine current or former state employees.

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced her historic candidacy for governor of the state of New York. The announcement, made in a video and on her website, highlighted the vast work that Attorney General James has done across the state throughout her career and lays out why she is the change that New York needs.

Team of industry stalwarts in the state will lead NAIFA’s New York chapter until state members select a new Board to take office in January.