The statue of Benjamin Franklin is given out as NAMIC's Benjamin Franklin Public Policy Award--recognizing Congressional supporters and honoring Mr. Franklin and his commitment to public service, the group said.

The award portrays Mr. Franklin holding a cane. Monte Ward, vice president of federal affairs for NAMIC, said this is the first time it will be presented to House members. Some Senators will be recipients as well, he said.

Indianapolis-based NAMIC noted that Mr. Franklin, and his fellow Philadelphia volunteer firemen, founded America's first mutual insurance company in 1752, The Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire.

Mr. Ward said the association is celebrating the 250th anniversary of that insurance company as well as its Congressional supporters. The award, he explained, will be given in connection with the association's annual Congressional Contact Program.

Now in its 18^th year, the program involves visits to legislators on Capital Hill throughout the year by NAMIC members. Unlike other insurance association programs, which bring large groups of constituents in for one day, he said, NAMIC concentrates on individual state delegations meeting their representatives.

"We meet [representatives] and discuss issues and work to beef-up interest in programs important to us," Mr. Ward said. "We are also saying we appreciate what you are doing and this award recognizes you for that."