We’ve been calling on all ASPPA members to join us at ASPPA Annual as agents of change to ensure that all working Americans have the ability to save for a dignified retirement. To help us achieve this goal, we’ll give you the resources you need at this event:
- presentations that will help you make sense of recent developments and anticipate what’s next
- network to share valuable ideas and lessons learned with your fellow agents
- visit Capitol Hill to directly advocate for policies and practices that expand access to private retirement plans
But we’re not just standing on the sidelines cheering you on as you fight the good fight. ASPPA, with the help of many dedicated members over the years, has been championing our shared goal for decades and on a variety of fronts. Here are a few highlights:
Capitol Hill Outreach
The 1970s saw the start of ASPPA’s advocacy efforts to protect employee pensions as well as the industry. Staff and government affairs volunteers testified before congressional committees to ensure that only actuaries with pension experience would be recognized as qualified to manage these plans.
Safeguarding Tax Legislation
Changes to the Income Tax Code were enacted as the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Through our Capitol Hill outreach, we succeeded in preserving tax-favored treatment for most retirement plans.
Strengthening Ties with Agencies
ASPPA has had a longstanding positive relationship with regulators, particularly the Treasury, IRS, and the Department of Labor (DOL). There have been countless instances over the years in which ASPPA’s input has been reflected in regulatory guidance. Recently, for example, the DOL proposed a self-correction program for the late deposit of deferrals, for which ASPPA has been a leading advocate. We are also engaged with the agencies regarding the implementation of provisions in the SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Acts.
Protecting Small Retirement Plans
In 1996, the Small Business Jobs Protection Act was enacted; it had provisions similar to those for which ASPPA had advocated. A few years later, we addressed threats to small-business-sponsored retirement plans from many fronts, often by testifying before congressional committees to support favorable legislation.
Broadening Our Impact
Under Executive Director Brian Graff’s leadership, ASPPA began lobbying—not as a trade organization protecting its members, but on behalf of the private retirement sector.
Federal and State Level
With the enactment of the SECURE 2.0 Act, ASPPA is committed to working with lawmakers to ensure that the law is implemented effectively. We are also lobbying on the state level to ensure states stay out of the 401(k) business and that any state mandates to offer a retirement program to employees appropriately align with qualified plans and 403(b) plans.
Expanding Education
As we look to the future, we honor our history by continuing to serve as a trusted source of education. We will soon offer new credential programs that include Qualified 401(k) Specialist (QKS) and Cash Balance Specialist (CBS) Programs.
Join us at ASPPA Annual to review and celebrate our achievements to date and strategize on how best to achieve our shared mission and continue being the change we want to see in the world.
For more information, click here: https://asppaannual.org/
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