The State Insurance Department is developing a ten-person consumer advisory council, meeting twice a year, and available to the Department’s Director from time to time by phone when he wants some ideas and opinions. The Department sometimes holds public hearings on its policies, but Director Scott Lakin says the consumer voice is often not effectively presented. In addition to the consumer council, Lakin is setting up an industry advisory council. He hopes the two will improve communication with the Department as well as between consumers and companies.