2026 CRYSTAL BALL

When I think about what is important for NAPEO to tackle next year, I see a pattern.  It’s not what’s new; it’s what’s next.

As we are neck deep in client conversions, insurance renewals and the looming January 1 new client start-up deadline, I’m going to attempt to take a pause and look into the 2026 crystal ball.

In the short term, NAPEO will continue fighting the ERTC battle. I can’t remember an issue that has lasted this long that has also affected all of us. I predict that there will be progress on the outstanding backlog, and we will hopefully look back and breathe a collective sigh of relief that this boondoggle is finally over (ok, I’m a bit of an optimist).

We will continue our advocacy efforts to pass H.R. 3223. We have made a lot of progress but there is more work to do to get across the finish line. Maintaining bipartisan support will help get this needed legislation passed. It also helps that this year’s NAPEO PAC fundraising total has been the second highest ever. Our PAC is a key part of our advocacy efforts and helps to establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with PEO champions in Congress. If you have contributed to the PAC this year, thank you.  It really does make a difference!

At the state level, we have a full plate again.  Everywhere we turn states are either creating more issues for us to dive into (think paid leave or mandated retirement plans) or are putting additional pressure on small businesses with new regulations without considering the PEO relationship (my home state of Kansas is recently guilty of this).  More time and energy will be required not only for staff, but for all of us at the grassroots level to contribute our time and energy to support NAPEO’s efforts.

Finally, we will begin the process of evaluating NAPEO’s revenue structure. We must come together to discuss ideas that will work for the association and its membership going forward. Nobody wants to spend more than they have to, but it is high time we tackle the issue together. I’m not very good at kicking the can down the road, so you can expect me to dive in and drive us toward a satisfactory solution.