NAPEO PAC: ADVOCATING FOR OUR FUTURE

As someone who has lived in and around Washington, D.C. for 26 years, I suspect that talking politics is a bit more normal for me than most of our PEO Insider® readers. I can appreciate the inclination to keep politics out of your business, especially with the volume of political noise cranked up higher than I can ever remember. It is eliciting a real and emotional response from all sides of the political spectrum, and, coupled with the market volatility, it is having a real impact on your businesses and, importantly, on people.

However, as I wrote a few issues ago, this disruption can open a few windows for action. I know there is a forest through the trees and there are unique opportunities to move the needle on issues that have haunted our industry for a long time.

We’re working extremely hard to make sure we capitalize on those, and your support and active involvement will strengthen our efforts and improve our chances of success. One way you can play a part is by supporting NAPEO PAC, our federal political action committee.

The PAC allows us to establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with lawmakers. In order to seize on the opportunities in front of us, we rely on Capitol Hill allies who understand the value of PEOs to small and mid-sized businesses. These are the folks who will champion and push for our legislative and regulatory priorities.

For example, just this month, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) plan to introduce a bill to clarify in federal statute that tax credit liability belongs with those who benefit from it, not a PEO. I think everyone reading this column understands how significant a legislative change this would be for PEOs. Our creative use of PAC dollars was instrumental in building relationships with Reps. Thompson and Van Duyne that led to them supporting this bill.

If we’re going to move the needle on other issues, like IRS modernization, Form 5500 disclosures and others, we have to keep developing relationships with lawmakers. That’s why I encourage you to learn more about NAPEO PAC and to become involved. Like most things PEOs deal with, there’s paperwork involved. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to learn more about how you can support the PAC, and the difference it will make.

I appreciate the support of everyone who has contributed to NAPEO PAC, and welcome all of you to contribute to the cause.

I’ve said frequently in these pages and all across the country that a PAC contribution is an investment in the future of our industry. As we celebrate National PEO Week this month, we should be proud of how far the industry has come, but as our profile grows so does the regulatory target on our back. It’s a double-edged sword, and the reason we need Congressional champions and allies. A strong NAPEO PAC makes this possible. We have real opportunities now – and real obstacles to overcome – and success requires everyone’s support. I hope you’ll join us.