Washington Legislative Update

Monday, May 22 - Tuesday, May 23, 2023
The Capital Hilton, Washington, DC
#IFWashUp

With changes looming on the horizon in D.C., you can expect benefits issues to be at the forefront of the national dialogue.

Some of the biggest potential changes could have significant implications for the benefits community. From post-Dobbs litigation to the current banking crisis and impending debt ceiling discussions, it is crucial for you to stay informed on how this could impact your plans and participants.

Join us at the Washington Legislative Update to stay educated on the issues that matter most. Connect with your peers as you get the latest information and develop plans to address the challenges you face.

Topics/Agenda

  • Available in person
  • Available virtually
  • Health
  • Retirement
  • Canadian
  • General
You must be a logged in registrant to access session handouts.
Monday May 22, 2023
7:30-9:00 a.m. ET
Keynote Breakfast Session: Political Landscape in 2023
7:30-9:00 a.m. ET

With the midterms behind us and a new Congress seated, this session will provide insights on the current political environment and the prospects for legislative activity with a divided government. The session will look at where we have been, where we are now and where we might be going as we head into the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election.

Category: Legal/Legislative Update
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET
How Will Benefits Strategy Change in the 118th Congress?
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET

The 2022 election changed the makeup of Congress and the dynamics of what is happening inside the beltway. This panel discussion will focus on how the change might impact employee benefits and will consider:

  • Who are the players?
  • What is on the agenda?
  • Committees to watch
  • What issues are rising to the forefront?
Category: Legal/Legislative Update
Carolyn E. Smith
Panelist
Carolyn E. Smith
Counsel
Alston & Bird LLP
John E. Slatery, CEBS
Facilitator
John E. Slatery, CEBS
Director of Worker Benefits, Research and Strategic Initiatives
American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
Melissa Bartlett
Panelist
Melissa Bartlett
Senior Vice President
The ERISA Industry Committee
Shaun C. O
Panelist
Shaun C. O'Brien
Policy Director
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
Multiemployer Challenges and Opportunities
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET

This session will address the legislative and regulatory issues of unique interest to those who work with multiemployer plans. Join your peers to hear the latest issues that impact your sector and discuss matters of common interest, including special financial assistance, withdrawal liability regulations, paid sick leave and other late-breaking matters as appropriate

Category: General Topics
Mariah M. Becker, ACA, EA, MAAA
Speaker
Mariah M. Becker, ACA, EA, MAAA
Director of Research and Education
National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
Public Sector Challenges and Opportunities
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET

This session will address the legislative and regulatory issues of unique interest to those who work with public sector plans. Join your peers to hear the latest issues that impact your sector and discuss matters of common interest, including derisking of DB Plans, ESG investing in public plans, variable plan designs, state initiatives and other late-breaking matters as appropriate.

Category: Public Plans
Jeannine Markoe Raymond
Speaker
Jeannine Markoe Raymond
Director of Federal Relations
National Association of State Retirement Administrators (NASRA)
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
Single Employer Challenges and Opportunities
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET

This session will address the legislative and regulatory issues of unique interest to those who work with single employer plans. Join your peers to hear the latest issues that impact your sector and discuss matters of common interest, including employer PBM reporting, state single payer initiatives and other late-breaking matters as appropriate.

Category: General Topics
Diann Howland
Speaker
Diann Howland
Vice President, Legislative Affairs
American Benefits Council
12:00-1:30 p.m. ET
Lunch Session: DOL Update
12:00-1:30 p.m. ET

Lisa M. Gomez, Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor has been invited to share insights on the department’s regulatory agenda, enforcement priorities and address issues of importance to the employee benefits community.

Category: Fiduciary Responsibility
Lisa M. Gomez
Speaker
Lisa M. Gomez
Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration
United States Department of Labor
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET

Mental health and substance abuse challenges continue to plague all ages. This session will focus on what’s happening on the legislative and regulatory front and what plan sponsors can, should and are required to do.

  • Surgeon General’s report on mental health
  • Proposed rules
  • MHPAEA
  • Audit red flags
  • Trends
Category: General Topics
Andrew Johnson
Co-Speaker
Andrew Johnson
Administrator
Teamster Center Services Fund
Elena Lynett, J.D.
Co-Speaker
Elena Lynett, J.D.
Senior Vice President
Segal
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET
The Current State of ESG
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET

This panel discussion will address what is happening with ESG, including:

  • Legislative and regulatory activity
  • State activity
  • Guidance—History and current.
Category: General Topics
Aron Szapiro
Co-Speaker
Aron Szapiro
Head of Government Affairs
Morningstar, Inc.
Michael P. Kreps
Co-Speaker
Michael P. Kreps
Principal
Groom Law Group, Chartered
Tuesday May 23, 2023
7:30-9:00 a.m. ET
Breakfast Session: The Economy and the Debt Limit
7:30-9:00 a.m. ET

With a brewing showdown on the debt ceiling, it’s important to understand what might be coming down the road so you can plan for the future. This session will provide an update on current economic conditions, insights on key economic indicators, and thoughts on how government and regulators may respond to economic activity.

Category: General Topics
Marc Goldwein
Speaker
Marc Goldwein
Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Director
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET
Changes to Withdrawal Liability
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET

This session will review the new withdrawal liability regulations and how trustees may change the way they think about it. Topics include:

  • Overview of regulations
  • Court cases
  • Impact on financial statements.
Category: Pension
James K. Estabrook, Esq.
Co-Speaker
James K. Estabrook, Esq.
Shareholder
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.
Jay K. Egelberg, ASA, EA, FCA, MAAA
Co-Speaker
Jay K. Egelberg, ASA, EA, FCA, MAAA
Consulting Actuary
First Actuarial Consulting, Inc. (FACT)
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET
Legislative and Regulatory Update for Benefits Plans
9:15-10:30 a.m. ET

An array of benefits legislation has been enacted since the Dobbs decision came down last summer. This session will cover

  • COVID-19
  • Secure Act 2.0
  • Inflation Reduction Act
  • No Surprise Act and Transparency Rule
  • Rx reporting
  • ACA update
  • Post-Dobbs litigation
Category: General Topics
Elena Lynett, J.D.
Co-Speaker
Elena Lynett, J.D.
Senior Vice President
Segal
Meghan C. Horn, J.D., LL.M.
Co-Speaker
Meghan C. Horn, J.D., LL.M.
Vice President and Senior Consultant
Segal
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
Update on Labor and Employment Law
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET

Benefits and labor law often intersect. This session will look at activity in the employment and labor law area, focusing on:

  • EEOC guidance
  • FLSA changes
  • NLRB activities
  • OSHA update
  • Hybrid and remote work.
Category: General Topics
Diana M. Bardes
Speaker
Diana M. Bardes
Partner
Mooney, Green, Saindon, Murphy & Welch, P.C.
12:00-1:30 p.m. ET
Lunch Session: Educating and Communicating With Your Congressional Representatives
12:00-1:30 p.m. ET
Category: General Topics
Jared Karbowsky
Co-Speaker
Jared Karbowsky
Director of Government Affairs
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Randy G. DeFrehn
Co-Speaker
Randy G. DeFrehn
Chief Executive Officer
DeFrehn and Associates, LLC
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET
Coverage and Benefits for the LGBTQ Community
1:45-3:00 p.m. ET

This session will give you a better perspective on how to address the unique needs of those in your covered population who are members of the LGBTQ community. Topics include:

  • Understanding the unique needs of the LGBTQ community
  • Coverage issues for dependents
  • What you can and cannot do
  • Correlation to your DEI initiatives.
Category: Legal/Legislative Update
Michele L. Kessler
Co-Speaker
Michele L. Kessler
Secretary-Treasurer
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776
Timothy K. Eicher
Co-Speaker
Timothy K. Eicher
Principal
Slevin & Hart PC

The Washington Legislative Update provided alternative views of issues in my industry. I really enjoyed it.

​Eduardo Vargas Sr. Vice President​
Aon Hewitt​

​Benefits of Attending

  • Access a direct pipeline to what's happening on the Hill and in key agencies.
  • Hear from expert speakers about the issues, trends and future direction of the industry.
  • Prepare for the future and learn how your plans may be impacted by the Biden administration as well as recently enacted and proposed legislation and regulations.
  • Network with peers facing similar challenges.
  • Take away creative ideas and solutions that work.

Who Should Attend

The content of this program is designed for trustees, administrators and plan professionals in the following areas:

  • Those whose roles require a keen knowledge of legislative and governmental activity
  • Employee benefit representatives who are responsible for strategic change
  • Others serving multiemployer, single employer and public sector benefit plans.

Don't Miss the Washington Legislative Update!

Speakers

Speakers

Speakers for the 2020 conference will be announced shortly. Please check back soon.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education credit for professions and designations MAY be available for attendance at live sessions. You must register for the program and request CE credit at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the program so that the Foundation can seek preapproval from the governing agency.

Note: Requests made for continuing education credit do not guarantee administration of credit. For further information on continuing education credit, please call (262) 786-6710, option 2.

For additional information, visit our continuing education (CE)​ web page. 

Educational sessions at this program can qualify for CEBS Compliance credit. Visit www.cebs.org/compliance for additional information.

Policies
View our registration policies.


Registration Information

Registration Information
  Member Nonmember


Through 4/10/2023 US $1,375.00 US $1,595.00
After 4/10/2023 US $1,675.00 US $1,895.00
 
×

In order to achieve a more secure and compliant experience, we no longer support Internet Explorer. Please use one of the browsers listed below:

  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Apple Safari

View our system requirements for more details.