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2023 News
Registration Open for 2024 ASAE Congressional Fly-In
Registration is now open for ASAE’s 2024 Congressional Fly-In, taking place March 5-6, 2024, in Washington, DC. The ASAE Congressional Fly-In is the only legislative action event dedicated to promoting the vital economic and societal role filled by associations. At this year’s fly-in, attendees can expect to: hear from legislators Read more
State Department Extends Visa Interview Waiver Authority
Earlier this week, the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security extended the visa interview waiver authority for low-risk applicants, which was set to expire on Dec. 31. The U.S. Travel Association and other travel industry leaders had advocated for extending the authority, which gives consular officers the discretion to Read more
Congress Looking at Packed Agenda in January
The Senate wrapped up its work yesterday without pairing billions of dollars of foreign aid with border security changes, adding one more unresolved issue to a packed agenda when Congress returns in January. Perhaps in recognition of the big-ticket agenda items ahead, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) had called Read more
ASAE Investing in ‘Power of Associations’ Economic Research
The ASAE Board of Directors recently approved a strategic investment in research to quantify the “Power of Associations” and provide ASAE and the broader association community with compelling data to support the economic impact of associations. The “Power of Associations” research will include national, state and congressional district-specific data on Read more
Meeting With the Office of Management and Budget to Discuss Proposed Rulemaking
AHPs - OMB Meeting - 10.2.23
IRS to Reject 20K+ Disallowed ERTC Claims
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that it will reject more than 20,000 Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims from businesses and nonprofits that either didn’t exist or didn’t qualify for the credit. The ERTC was a lifeline to small businesses and nonprofit groups struggling to keep their Read more
Swelling Debt Leads to Calls for Fiscal Commission
Support is growing in Congress for a bipartisan fiscal commission to identify necessary tax and spending changes to help improve the nation’s fiscal outlook. The calls intensified after Moody’s last month changed its outlook for U.S. sovereign debt from stable to negative and warned that “continued political polarization” in Congress Read more
Registration Open for 2024 ASAE Congressional Fly-In
Registration is now open for ASAE’s 2024 Congressional Fly-In, taking place March 5-6, 2024, in Washington, DC. The ASAE Congressional Fly-In is the only legislative action event dedicated to promoting the vital economic and societal role filled by associations. At this year’s fly-in, attendees can expect to: hear from legislators Read more
Hearing to Focus on Impact of Tax-Exempt Sector on Politics
The House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee announced a hearing next week on Dec. 13 to examine the tax-exempt sector and its impact on American politics. Earlier this year, House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman David Schweikert (R-AZ) signaled an interest in scrutinizing the Read more
Register for ASAE’s Webinar on Avoiding GR Gridlock
ASAE will conduct a webinar on “Avoiding GR Gridlock: Advancing Legislative Affairs During Turbulent Times” on Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. ET. In a time of great turbulence and polarization on Capitol Hill, the webinar will explore how associations can ensure their legislative agendas aren’t gridlocked along with Congress. Webinar Read more
DOT Geared Up for Busiest Holiday Travel Season Ever
The Thanksgiving travel rush is in full swing today, and transportation officials said they expect this will be the busiest holiday season ever. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 30 million passengers at airport security checkpoints nationwide between Nov. 17 and Nov. 28. Historically, the three busiest travel Read more
Government Funding Fight Pushed to New Year
President Biden signed a temporary spending bill last week that will push a brewing fight with congressional Republicans over the federal budget into the new year. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has vowed not to support any more stopgap spending bills in the future. Johnson came up with a two-step Read more
Big Developments for ASAE’s Workforce Development Efforts
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722) is gaining significant traction in Congress. The bill now has 89 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives and 11 in the Senate. H.R. 1477 was introduced in March with zero cosponsors. In October, the House Committee on Ways Read more
Register for ASAE’s Webinar on Avoiding GR Gridlock
ASAE will conduct a webinar on “Avoiding GR Gridlock: Advancing Legislative Affairs During Turbulent Times” on Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. ET. In a time of great turbulence and polarization on Capitol Hill, the webinar will explore how associations can ensure their legislative agendas aren’t gridlocked along with Congress. Webinar Read more
Associations Rank High on Public Trust, Survey Says
In a recent pulse survey conducted by Public Affairs Council, Americans ranked associations among the top three sources for political news and information. The annual Public Affairs Pulse survey of 2,219 adults, conducted in early September, also explored how concerned Americans are about the integrity of the 2024 elections, how Read more
ECA, IAVM Join Appeal in Music Licensing Case
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) and International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) recently signed on to an amicus brief in the appeal of a major music licensing rate court decision earlier this year. In March, New York District Court Judge Louis Stanton ruled in favor of music rights organization Read more
ASAE Submits Comments on DOL Overtime Rule
ASAE submitted comments this week on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed rule to dramatically increase the salary threshold at which full-time workers are eligible for overtime pay. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are entitled to receive overtime pay when they work over 40 hours per Read more
Insights from ASAE’s 2023 Key Award Winner Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE
The Key Award is one of ASAE's highest accolades, recognizing an individual for exceptional leadership. The 2023 Key Award has been presented to Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Specifications Institute. Mark's career in the world of associations is a testament to the incredible impact this Read more
Speaker Johnson’s First Task is Government Spending
New House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) laid out a plan for his House colleagues this week to pass another stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through either Jan. 15 or April 15. Johnson said his goal is to “ensure the Senate cannot jam the House with a Christmas Read more
White House to Unveil AI Executive Order Next Week
The White House is expected to release a highly anticipated executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) early next week. The sweeping executive order will reportedly require advanced AI models to undergo assessments before they can be utilized by federal workers. The rulemaking would also ease barriers to immigration for highly Read more
DOL’s Proposed Overtime Rule Would Hurt Nonprofit Sector, Coalition Says
ASAE joined a broad coalition of almost 90 associations in sending a letter to Congress this week urging the Department of Labor (DOL) to reconsider its proposed rule that would make 3.6 million additional U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are Read more
House Ways and Means Hearing Focuses on Expanding 529 Accounts
ASAE and the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition submitted written comments for a House Ways and Means Committee hearing held earlier today to examine “Educational Freedom and Opportunity for American Families, Students, and Workers.” The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which includes more than 725 trade groups, professional societies and companies, has urged Congressional Read more
Webinar to Focus on ASAE’s Amicus Brief in Antitrust Case
ASAE will hold a webinar Oct. 24 from 10 AM-11 AM ET to walk association leaders through ASAE’s recent amicus brief filing with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case with major implications for the association community. ASAE filed the amicus brief Sept. 1 in support of the United States Read more
Fed Still Grappling with Persistent Inflation
The Federal Reserve continues to battle persistent inflation, as prices rose 3.7% in September over the year before. The September report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the same annual level of inflation as in August with high housing and gas costs sapping household budgets. With households continuing to Read more
Scalise Remains Short of Votes for Speaker
Roughly 24 hours after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) clinched the nomination to be speaker, he is reportedly well short of the 217 Republican votes needed to win the speaker’s gavel on the House floor. House Republicans are in a closed conference meeting this afternoon to discuss the situation, Read more
Cosponsors Growing for Critical 529 Expansion Bill
The bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act is now up to 70 cosponsors in the House of Representatives – up from zero when the bill was introduced in March. Forty-five Republicans and 25 Democrats support the beneficial workforce policy, which would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings Read more
Webinar to Focus on ASAE’s Amicus Brief in Antitrust Case
ASAE will hold a webinar Oct. 24 from 10 AM-11 AM ET to walk association leaders through ASAE’s recent amicus brief filing with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case with major implications for the association community. ASAE filed the amicus brief Sept. 1 in support of the United States Read more
CA Governor Signs Bill to End Travel Ban to Anti-LGBTQ+ States
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to end the state’s ban on state-funded travel to states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. California started banning official travel to states with laws it viewed as discriminatory against the LGBTQ+ community in 2017, starting with Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee. The Read more
Government Shutdown Appears Likely this Weekend
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is expected to bring a new short-term spending bill to the House floor by the end of the week, though there are numerous obstacles to passage that make a government shutdown this weekend likely. McCarthy’s continuing resolution is expected to look similar to a bill Read more
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Delivers Letter to Congress
The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which includes more than 650 trade groups, professional societies and companies, this week urged Congressional tax-writing committee leaders to back a bill that would expand 529 education savings plans to cover costs for obtaining or maintaining postsecondary credentials. The coalition delivered a letter this week to Read more
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Advocacy Ramps Up
Advocacy by the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition is gaining momentum right as Congress returns from summer recess. The more than 600 member organizations that have joined are making notable progress in their support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act led by Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Abigail Spanberger Read more
NV Congressional Delegation Writes to FTC on Impersonation Fraud
After advocacy from ASAE’s members and the ASAE Public Policy team, last week the Nevada Congressional delegation wrote a delegation letter to the FTC calling on them to take action on the issue of fraudulent business impersonation. According to the letter, business and government impersonators cause damages estimated at $2.6 Read more
Save the Date – ASAE Fly-In March 5-6
Plan to join ASAE in Washington on Tuesday, March 5 – Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Washington, DC for the annual legislative fly-in. Registration includes two days of policy education, advocacy, and networking. During ASAE’s Fly In, attendees will: Inform Hill staff about how their associations build up America’s economy, Read more
Proposed Legislation Seeks to Address Delays in Visa Processing
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jerry Moran have introduced the Visa Processing Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the prolonged delays in visa processing. These delays have left some individuals waiting for an interview for more than two years due to extended wait times from pandemic-related restrictions that Read more
White House Calls on Congress to Pass a Short-Term CR
The White House has called on Congress to pass a short-term funding measure to ensure the continuation of government operations beyond September 30. Congress returns from August recess on September 5th (Senate) and 12th (House), leaving very few legislative days before the end of the current fiscal year. Disagreement between Read more
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Lands Big New Bill Co-Sponsor
The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act has made significant progress with the addition of a key House member to the list of co-cosponsors. Congressman Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) has joined the ranks as the 57th cosponsor, bringing substantial influence. Rep. Kelly is not only a member of the Ways Read more
ASAE Preparing Amicus Brief for Supreme Court on Associations Membership Case
ASAE is preparing to submit an amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting the United States Soccer Federation's request for the Court to review a case with significant implications for associations. The case revolves around whether a plaintiff challenging an association for alleged antitrust violations can include association Read more
Overtime Proposed Rulemaking Released
The Biden administration has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from the Department of Labor to extend overtime pay eligibility to over 3 million workers. The initiative comes after a previous similar attempt by the Obama administration over eight years ago to revise overtime eligibility regulations under the Fair Labor Read more
FDIC Prepares New Regs for Big Banks
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chair Martin Gruenberg announced on Monday that his agency is planning new regulations for banks with more $100 billion, including a proposal for how to ensure an orderly dissolution and sale of a large bank in case of failure. Gruenberg also hinted at potential adjustments to Read more
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Close to 600 Members, Adds and a New Website
Shortly after officially launching, the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition has already grown to 560 member organizations and recently launched a new website and held its first meeting to plan advocacy activity. The coalition, led by ASAE and the Professional Certification Coalition, has organized to champion bipartisan legislation called the Freedom to Read more
House Republicans Consider Funding Plan to Avoid Shutdown
NBC News has reported that Speaker Kevin McCarthy told members of the House Republicans Conference that it may be necessary to pass a short-term government funding bill to prevent a shutdown in the coming fall. The move stems from the limited time available for Congress to reach a full-year funding Read more
Ways & Means Inquiry into Tax Exempt Orgs’ “Political Campaign Intervention” May Have Unintended Consequences
House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) and Oversight Subcommittee Chair David Schweikert (R-AZ), issued a letter this week on regulations surrounding political involvement by tax-exempt organizations. In the letter, Reps. Smith and Schweikert cited potential for foreign influence through 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) groups in American elections and sought Read more
Membership in Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Reaches 500 Organizations
The Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition now has more than 500 trade associations, professional societies, businesses, and employers as members to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477). The coalition, led by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Professional Certification Coalition (PCC), Read more
Likelihood of Tax Legislation in the House This Year in Doubt
The probability of tax legislation being voted on by the US House of Representatives this year is beginning to seem low. The House Republicans' tax-cut package, comprising three bills, has been stagnant since June 13, as it lacks Democratic support and the required votes to pass in the House. With Read more
National Governors Association Inaugurates the “Disagree Better” Initiative
The National Governors Association’s new "Disagree Better" initiative seeks to address the problem of polarization in American society by encouraging constructive dialogue and healthy conflict resolution. The initiative acknowledges that being nice to each other is helpful but not enough. Instead, the focus is on learning how to disagree in Read more
Concerns Rise about a Government Shutdown at the End of September
As the September 30 deadline to fund the federal government approaches, the House and Senate find themselves on a collision course, risking another government shutdown. A group of House conservatives is determined to hold the line on spending and pressure House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to do the same. They believe Read more
House Ways & Means Committee Passes New Tax Bill; Legislation Headed for House Vote
The House Ways & Means Committee has advanced a Republican tax cut bill that proposes an additional $4,000 deduction for joint federal tax filers and $2,000 for single filers. The "guaranteed deduction bonus" is part of the GOP's plan to increase standard deductions in tax years 2024 and 2025 for Read more
House Passes National Defense Authorization Act
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), amidst heated debate and several controversial amendments addressing contentious social issues. The bill authorized funding for the Department of Defense The version of the NDAA passed by the House allocates $886 billion for national defense programs Read more
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition Expands to Nearly 370 Organizations
Approximately 370 different organizations now have joined ASAE and the Professional Certification Coalition in the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition to actively promote bipartisan legislation called the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477). The coalition's goal is to support professionals, organizations, industries, and professions that rely Read more
New Research from Independent Sector Explores Significant Drop in Nonprofit Advocacy
Nonprofits have historically played a crucial role in promoting democracy and driving systems change through advocacy and public engagement. However, over the past two decades, there has been a decline in nonprofit involvement in these critical activities, despite the increasing need for their impact. A new research report by Independent Read more
Apply for CAE Scholarship by July 10
As ASAE works in support of a diverse workforce, association professionals are encouraged to apply for a CAE Scholarship, revitalized this year by the ASAE Research Foundation. Association professionals in need of financial assistance to achieve the CAE credential and who meet the required qualifications to sit for the CAE Read more
House GOP Looking at Stopgap Spending Bill
House Republican leaders may put a stopgap spending bill on the floor as early as this month to continue government funding past Sept. 30 and avoid any threat of partial government shutdown. Many lawmakers and Capitol Hill staff are skeptical that Congress can reach agreement on all 12 appropriations bills Read more
Commerce Announces Working Group on Generative AI
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced last week that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will convene a new working group on artificial intelligence (AI). The group is tasked with helping the Biden administration address the challenges and opportunities associated with AI and develop guidance to help organizations address Read more
ASAE Starts Free Coalition to Help Pass Workforce Legislation
ASAE has been working hard to build support for the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), which would expand economic opportunities and increase access to valuable postsecondary credentials. To amplify our industry voice, ASAE and its advocacy partner in workforce development, the Read more
Register for Upcoming ASAE-GRAPAC Webinar
Join ASAE’s Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council (GRAPAC) on July 26 at 1:00pm ET for the webinar, UnPAC’d- Navigating Government Affairs Without or with a small PAC. Register via Zoom. This webinar is worth 1 CAE credit hour. Join James A. Kahl, Partner, Co-Chair of Associations, Nonprofits and Political Organizations Read more
Schumer Outlines Framework for AI Bill
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled his framework Wednesday to prompt congressional action on quickly developing AI technology. Schumer’s “SAFE Innovation framework” refers to the five principles behind his legislative approach: security, accountability, foundations and explain. Schumer’s goal with legislation is to secure both U.S. national security and American Read more
U.S. Travel Forecasts Slow Growth in Business Travel
The U.S. Travel Association released its biannual forecast for travel to and within the U.S. through 2026, showing that domestic business travel is expected to grow – albeit more slowly than leisure travel – largely due to economic conditions. The forecast predicts that both volume and spending in domestic business Read more
Lawmakers Seek to Tighten DOD Lobbying Rules
The House and Senate are working to draft a Department of Defense authorization bill for Fiscal 2024 this week, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) are reportedly working to include language that would extend the cooling off period for former DOD officials to work for military Read more
Comments on NTIA’s AI Accountability Policies Due June 12
Public comments are due June 12th on how the Biden administration can ensure artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT work as advertised. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the Commerce Department, is gauging how to regulate the explosion of AI tools that are transforming how businesses Read more
Association Health Plan Bill Headed for House Floor
Legislation to expand health care options and lower costs for small businesses through association health plans (AHPs) was favorably reported out of the House Education & the Workforce Committee this week. The Association Health Plans Act (H.R. 2868), introduced in April by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI), Rick Allen (R-GA), Michael Read more
House GOP Tax Proposal Taking Shape
With the debt ceiling resolved, House Republicans are expected to shift their focus to tax legislation aimed at boosting economic growth. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) is working to release tax legislation by mid-June that would extend the business and individual tax provisions in the GOP’s Read more
House Foreign Affairs Hearing Focuses on Visitor Visa Delays
The House Foreign Affairs Committee Oversight & Accountability Subcommittee had a discussion about long visitor visa wait times during a hearing about the State Department budget this week. Despite U.S. borders reopening in November 2021 after pandemic-related restrictions, inbound travel to the U.S. is lagging due to a number of Read more
Register for May 30 ASAE Webinar on State Lobbying
The ASAE Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council (GRAPAC) is hosting a May 30 webinar on “How to Contract with and Manage State Lobbyists” from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. ET. Learn from a veteran panel of experts on how to identify, hire and manage the professional lobbying presence that works Read more
White House, GOP Inching Closer to Debt Limit Deal
The White House and Republican congressional leaders are reporting progress in talks to raise the debt ceiling, though there are still gaps to close before the House breaks for the Memorial Day recess. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the U.S. government could default as early as June 1, Read more
Smith Moving to Extend Trump-Era Tax Cuts in June
House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) is working to release tax legislation by mid-June that would extend the business and individual tax provisions in the GOP’s signature 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax writers are still working on the package, but the business provisions are likely Read more
Bipartisan Charitable Act Introduced in the House
Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT), Danny Davis (D-IL), Michele Steel (R-CA) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Charitable Act in the House last week. The bill would allow all taxpayers, including non-itemizers, to deduct up to one-third of the value of the standard deduction for charitable contributions, which comes to about Read more
Register Today for Upcoming GRAPAC Webinars
The ASAE Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Advisory Council (GRAPAC) has scheduled two upcoming webinars to help association government relations professionals generate revenue and manage state lobbyists. The first webinar, titled “How to Generate Revenue for Advocacy Efforts,” will take place May 17 from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. ET. Speakers include Read more
Biden Ends COVID Vaccine Requirement for International Travelers
The Biden administration has ended COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international travelers, effective today. The change in policy, which was in place for roughly two years, coincides with the administration’s termination of COVID-19 as a public health emergency. The new policy ending vaccine requirements also applies to federal employees and federal Read more
Meetings Yield Little Progress in Debt Limit Talks
The White House and congressional leaders resumed talks this week on raising the debt limit but both sides are negotiating from the same entrenched positions: Republicans want major spending cuts included as part of the deal and President Biden and congressional Democrats want a clean debt ceiling hike. House Republicans Read more
ASAE Testifies on FTC Business Impersonation Rule
ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, gave testimony at a May 4 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hearing on the agency’s proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation. The FTC proposed the rule last fall to make government and business impersonation scams a violation of the FTC Act and Read more
ECA’s 2023 Legislative Action Day is June 1
Registration is open for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s (ECA) 2023 Legislative Action Day, which will be held in Washington, DC on June 1. ECA’s Legislative Action Day will bring advocates and leaders from across the face-to-face business events industry to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress Read more
U.S. Travel Points to Strains in U.S. Air Travel System
The U.S. Travel Association this week urged Congress to prioritize this year’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill to reduce stress on the U.S. air travel system, which is struggling to keep pace with consumer demand as the summer travel season approaches. U.S. Travel shared new survey results this week Read more
‘Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce’ Act Gains Co-Sponsors
Support continues to build in Congress for legislation that would expand 529 savings plans to cover postsecondary credentials, after ASAE made the bill the centerpiece of its annual legislative fly-in last month. During American Associations Day March 27-28, nearly 100 association advocates from 18 states and the District of Columbia Read more
ASAE to Testify on FTC Business Impersonation Rule
ASAE will be among the interested organizations and individuals giving testimony at a May 4 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hearing on the agency’s proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation. The FTC proposed the rule last fall to make government and business impersonation scams a violation of the FTC Act Read more
Power of Associations Awards Deadline is April 30
Just a reminder that applications are ASAE’s 2023 Power of Associations Awards are due by April 30. Associations are encouraged to apply and be recognized for their good works that benefit society. The Power of Associations Awards are offered in five categories: Community Support and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy, Read more
Biden Administration Weighs Rules for AI Tools
The Biden administration is weighing how to regulate the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT that are transforming how companies and associations operate. Earlier this week, the Commerce Department asked for public comments on how it could create regulations that would ensure AI tools work as advertised. Read more
IRS Outlines Plan to Utilize $80B in Additional Funding
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) last week unveiled a long-awaited plan for spending $80 billion in additional funding authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act last year. The plan provides new details on how the agency will use the money over the next decade, including plans to hire thousands of new Read more
House GOP Assembling Debt Limit Package
House Republican leaders are reportedly putting together a debt-limit package they intend to share with their caucus when Congress returns from Easter recess next week. According to Punchbowl News, the legislation would lift the debt limit until May 2024 and may include either a cap on non-defense discretionary spending or Read more
KY Lawmakers Exempt Business Events from Sales Tax
The Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Andy Beshear have exempted business event organizers from charging sales tax to their exhibitors, a move applauded by the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) and hospitality leaders in the state. As of Jan. 1, a wide range of services in Kentucky had been subject Read more
McCarthy Wants to Restart Talks on Debt Limit
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Tuesday called on President Biden to return to the negotiating table on a budget and the debt ceiling. Not much has changed since McCarthy and Biden discussed the debt limit at the White House in early February. Republicans still want major spending cuts included Read more
ASAE Participates in GAO Panel to Examine Pandemic Risk
On March 6, ASAE public policy staff joined the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other stakeholders to examine current, past and prospective options for pandemic related insurance coverage. ASAE joined as a representative of the Business Continuity Coalition (BCC). The CARES Act, passed in March 2020 to inject financial relief Read more
ASAE Hosts American Associations Day 2023
ASAE hosted 97 association leaders during American Associations Day, ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in event, on March 27-28 to advocate for bipartisan workforce development policy. Advocates from 18 states and the District of Columbia visited with 50 Congressional offices to build support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act Read more
Power of Associations Awards Deadline is April 30
Just a reminder that applications are ASAE’s 2023 Power of Associations Awards are due by April 30. Associations are encouraged to apply and be recognized for their good works that benefit society. The Power of Associations Awards are offered in five categories: Community Support and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy, Read more
Taxpayer Advocate Urges Congress to Reconsider IRS Funding Boost
The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent arm of the IRS, said this week that the agency’s $80 billion funding boost authorized by Congress last year is too skewed toward enforcement and doesn’t address the needs of U.S. taxpayers. Of the $80 billion in additional IRS funding, enacted as part of Read more
Global Meetings Industry Day is March 30
ASAE will join the annual worldwide recognition of Global Meetings Industry Day on March 30 to champion the benefits of professional meetings and events. GMID is powered by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business coalition and spotlights the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions Read more
‘529’ Expansion Bill Reintroduced in Senate, House
Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) this week reintroduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to allow Americans to use ‘529’ education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing and certification programs. Current law only permits Read more
Manchin Calls for Bipartisan Deal on Debt Limit
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) today called for a bipartisan deal to raise the debt limit this spring to avoid a looming financial crisis. Congressional Republicans have been at loggerheads with Democrats and President Biden over raising the debt limit, with Republicans wanting major spending cuts included as part of any Read more
Senate Finance Likely to Support Werfel as IRS Commissioner
The Senate Finance Committee is meeting today and is likely to support Daniel Werfel, President Biden’s pick to serve as IRS Commissioner, setting up a confirmation vote by the full Senate. During a confirmation hearing last month, Werfel defended the agency’s additional $80 billion in funding authorized in the Inflation Read more
Lankford, Coons Introduce Bill to Expand Charitable Deduction
Sens. James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced bipartisan legislation this week to expand and extend the expired non-itemized deduction for charitable giving. The bill, called The Charitable Act, would allow all taxpayers who do not itemize to claim a deduction of up to one-third of the value of Read more
Ways and Means Approves Oversight Plan for 118th Congress
The House Ways and Means Committee this week passed an oversight plan for the 118th Congress on a party-line vote that includes aggressive scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Biden administration’s tax agenda and the tax laws, regulations and filing requirements that affect tax-exempt organizations. Ways and Means Read more
Apply Now for 2023 Power of Associations Awards
Applications are now being accepted for ASAE’s 2023 Power of Associations Awards, and associations are encouraged to apply and be recognized for their good works that benefit society. The Power of Associations Awards are offered in five categories: Community Support and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy, Industry/Professional Advancement and Global Read more
Senate Finance Grills Werfel on IRS Spending Plans
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing this week, Daniel Werfel, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next IRS commissioner, defended the agency’s additional $80 billion in funding authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act last year. Werfel faced numerous questions from Senate Republicans about how the additional funding would be Read more
Deadline to Join ASAE’s Power of Associations Letter is March 10
The deadline to join ASAE’s Power of Associations community sign-on letter is March 10. The letter will be shared with members of Congress and state legislators to foster a better understanding of how associations benefit society and inform policymaking. Add your organization to the letter. Please refer to the current Read more
DOJ Announcement on Information Sharing Creates Ambiguity
A recent Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement creates ambiguity for association information-sharing programs. The DOJ recently withdrew three antitrust policy statements that provided guidance for information sharing by competitors that it had issued jointly with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) starting 30 years ago. DOJ said that the guidance in Read more
Apply Now for 2023 Power of Associations Awards
Applications are now being accepted for ASAE’s 2023 Power of Associations Awards, and associations are encouraged to apply and be recognized for their good works that benefit society. The Power of Associations Awards are offered in five categories: Community Support and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy, Industry/Professional Advancement and Global Read more
White House to Release FY24 Budget Plan March 9
White House officials said President Biden will release his budget proposal for next fiscal year on March 9, in part to pressure House Republicans to detail their own spending plans. The White House on Tuesday circulated a memo from National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and Office of Management and Read more
Biden, McCarthy Meet to Discuss Debt Ceiling
President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) met yesterday at the White House to discuss a possible path forward to raise the debt ceiling, though expectations remain tempered that a deal can be cut quickly. The Treasury Department has already initiated a series of technical moves known as “extraordinary Read more
Call for Stories: Visa Wait Time Impact on Association Meetings
ASAE needs your help to bring attention to the problem of excessive wait times to receive a visitor visa to enter the United States and the impact on association meetings. ASAE has joined the U.S. Travel Association’s “They Wait, We Lose” campaign to bring attention to the millions of travelers Read more
Registration Open for American Associations Day 2023
Registration is now open for American Associations Day, ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in, on March 27-28 in Washington, DC. Registration (worth 5 CAE credit hours) includes two days of policy education, advocacy and networking. American Associations Day is also a terrific opportunity to network with peers from around the country. During Read more
IRS Moving Forward with Hiring Amid GOP Scrutiny
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is moving ahead with hiring and other operational plans to utilize the $80 billion in additional funding authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law last year. In a report this week from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), which provides oversight Read more
Treasury Buying Time for Debt Ceiling Deal
The Treasury Department announced today it has initiated a series of technical moves known as “extraordinary measures” to avoid a potentially disastrous default on the nation’s debt. These moves are expected to hold the government over at least early June. Treasury’s announcement puts pressure on Congress to come to agreement Read more
FTC Proposes New Rule Banning Non-Compete Agreements
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently proposed a new rule that would ban employers from imposing non-compete agreements on their workers. Approximately one in five American workers – roughly 30 million people – are bound by a non-compete clause that prevents the employee from working for a competing employer or Read more
Webinar Focused on Building Relationships in the 118th Congress
A new Congress doesn’t just mean a reset of legislative proposals not passed in the prior session, but also the need to forge relationships with new lawmakers and leadership as a result of an election’s outcomes. Savvy advocates seek to develop rapport with these incoming lawmakers (and their returning colleagues) Read more
DOL Targeting May for Updated Overtime Rule
After the timeline slipped from last fall, the Department of Labor (DOL) is now anticipating issuing a new rule on overtime pay exemptions in May 2023 that is likely to expand the pool of American workers eligible for overtime pay. The overtime rule sets a salary threshold used to determine Read more
Travel Industry Celebrates Omnibus Win
Travel and tourism leaders secured a long-coveted win in the $1.7 trillion omnibus package signed into law just before the holidays last month. The year-long government spending package includes the Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, establishing a new Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Read more
KY Taxing Business Events as of Jan. 1
As of Jan. 1, a wide range of services in Kentucky are now subject to a 6% sales and use tax, including several impacting in-person meetings and events in the state. The Kentucky legislature passed comprehensive tax reform legislation last spring that seeks to reduce the state’s reliance on income Read more
