Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Stroke During Pregnancy, Postpartum Associated With More Illness, Job Status Later
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 22 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Stroke during pregnancy, postpartum associated with more illness, job status later
Having an ischemic stroke during pregnancy or three months after pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or second stroke, heart disease and depression later in life. The new study is published on January 21, 2026, in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 22 -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Stroke during pregnancy, postpartum associated with more illness, job status later
Having an ischemic stroke during pregnancy or three months after pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or second stroke, heart disease and depression later in life. The new study is published on January 21, 2026, in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It occurs whena clot or blockage reduces blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.
The study also found that female participants who had a stroke during pregnancy or postpartum were less likely to be employed and more likely to be retired at the end of the study compared to those who did not have a stroke.
The study does not prove that stroke causes these health and employment effects. It only shows associations.
"Having a stroke during pregnancy or postpartum is rare but several studies have shown it is on the rise," said study author Anna Richardt, MD, of the University of Helsinki in Finland. "Our study sought to better understand what happens to women after a stroke during pregnancy and postpartum and found an increased risk of cardiac diseases and depression, as well as lower odds of being employed later."
For the study, researchers identified 97 female participants in Finnish health care registries who had an ischemic stroke during pregnancy or postpartum, up to three months after pregnancy. They were matched to 280 female participants who did not have a stroke.
Researchers tracked the health of each person through registries and medical records for an average of 12 years, noting which participants later had cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke and heart disease or depression.
Of participants with an initial stroke, 6% had a second stroke and 7% had a major cardiovascular event like heart attack compared to 0% of those who were stroke free at the start of the study.
Researchers also found among participants with stroke, 9% had cardiac disease, including atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure, compared to 1% of those who did not have stroke. After adjusting for age, participants with stroke had a nearly nine times greater odds of having cardiac disease.
Of participants with stroke, 19% had depression compared to 6% of those without stroke. After adjusting for age, those with stroke had nearly four times greater odds of having depression.
Researchers also reviewed employment statistics. Of participants with stroke, 71% were employed two years prior to their stroke compared to 76% of those without stroke. By the end of the study, 66% of those with stroke were employed compared to 78% of those without stroke. After adjusting for age, researchers found that participants with stroke had 45% lower odds of being employed and nearly five times greater odds of being retired at the end of the study compared to those without stroke.
"Of those with stroke, 92% had good functional outcomes, meaning they had either completely recovered or could manage most daily activities by the end of the study," said Richardt. "Still, more than one-third of those with stroke were out of work at the end of the study. Our findings highlight the need for adequate stroke prevention, monitoring and rehabilitation to improve the long-term health for those who have stroke during pregnancy."
A limitation of the study was the small number of participants with stroke since stroke during pregnancy is rare.
The study was supported by the Finnish government and Helsinki University Hospital.
Discover more about stroke at BrainandLife.org, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a magazine, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life(R) on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
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Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5308
[Category: Medical]
Recent Antibiotic Use May Increase Infection Risk for One Type of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois, Jan. 22 (TNSrep) -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Recent Antibiotic Use May Increase Infection Risk for One Type of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Microbiome imbalance may affect surgical site infection risk after tissue expander placement
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For women undergoing surgery to place tissue expanders - a common technique for staged breast reconstruction - recent antibiotic use may be a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI), reports a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R) (http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/pages/default.aspx),
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois, Jan. 22 (TNSrep) -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued the following news release:
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Recent Antibiotic Use May Increase Infection Risk for One Type of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Microbiome imbalance may affect surgical site infection risk after tissue expander placement
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For women undergoing surgery to place tissue expanders - a common technique for staged breast reconstruction - recent antibiotic use may be a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI), reports a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R) (http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/pages/default.aspx),the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
"In our study, patients who took antibiotics within 30 days before surgery to place tissue expanders had a four-fold increase in SSI risk - possibly due to disruption of the normal balance of protective versus pathogenic bacteria," comments Bernard T. Lee, MD, MBA, MPH, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. "For plastic surgeons, the findings suggest the need for careful assessment of antibiotic use in patients undergoing tissue expander-based breast reconstruction."
Antibiotics may contribute to infection risk after tissue expander surgery
For many patients who have undergone mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer, tissue expander placement is performed to stretch the skin for use in breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, tissue expander surgery is associated with high rates of surgical site infection - a risk that does not seem to be reduced by antibiotics.
Antibiotics might even increase the risk of infection by disrupting the normal balance of bacteria making up the body's microbiome: a phenomenon called "dysbiosis." Previous studies have suggested that antibiotics may increase infection risk in other surgical procedures. The new study is the first to assess antibiotics as a risk factor for infection after tissue expander surgery.
Using a research database, Dr. Lee identified two groups of patients who underwent tissue expander-based breast reconstruction: an exposed group who received antibiotics within 30 days before surgery and a control group who did not. Each group included 1,383 patients. The two groups were matched to select patients with similar risk factors for infection - such as obesity, smoking or higher-stage breast cancer, among others.
'Potential detrimental consequences of preoperative antibiotic use'
Patients who received antibiotics within 30 days before tissue expander surgery were nearly four times more likely to develop SSI in the first 30 days after surgery (relative risk 3.91), compared to patients who were not exposed to antibiotics before surgery.
Patients exposed to antibiotics were also about twice as likely to experience wound-healing problems (dehiscence) or to undergo tissue expander removal. They were also more likely to receive antibiotics after surgery. All of these risks decreased gradually but remained elevated at 60 to 90 days' follow-up - perhaps reflecting restoration of the protective bacterial balance.
The findings add to previous evidence that antibiotic-related dysbiosis may increase the risk of infection after surgery. Antibiotics may promote overgrowth of infection-causing types of bacteria or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The researchers note some limitations of their database study, including a lack of data on the reasons why exposed patients were prescribed antibiotics. Although the findings do not suggest any immediate change to clinical practice, they suggest that recent antibiotic use should be considered as a risk factor for infection in patients undergoing tissue expander-based breast reconstruction - and possibly other types of surgery as well.
"These findings underscore the potential detrimental consequences of preoperative antibiotic use, extending up to three months post-surgery, and highlight the need for careful assessment of antibiotic use before TE-based breast reconstruction," Dr. Lee and coauthors write. They highlight the need for randomized clinical trials to confirm and better understand the reported association. Future studies may also evaluate possible preventive strategies, including the use of probiotics to restore the normal balance of protective bacteria.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R) is published by Wolters Kluwer.
Click here to read "Recent Antibiotic Use and Surgical Site Infections in Tissue Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis"
Article: "Recent Antibiotic Use and Surgical Site Infections in Tissue Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis" (doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000012333)
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About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R) brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.
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About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services for the healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory and corporate performance and ESG sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.
Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of Euros5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.
For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/recent-antibiotic-use-may-increase-infection-risk-for-one-type-of-breast-reconstruction-surgery
[Category: Medical]
OBL Issues Joint Statement Warning of Unintended Consequences of Government Price Controls for Ohio Consumers
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 22 -- The Ohio Bankers League issued the following joint statement on Jan. 21, 2026, with Ohio Credit Union League, Community Bankers Association of Ohio and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce:
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OBL Issues Joint Statement Warning of Unintended Consequences of Government Price Controls for Ohio Consumers
Yesterday, OBL, the Ohio Credit Union League, CBAO, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement in response to a proposed government-imposed cap on interest rates, which would restrict access to credit for Ohioans and lead to unintended consequences for Ohio's
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 22 -- The Ohio Bankers League issued the following joint statement on Jan. 21, 2026, with Ohio Credit Union League, Community Bankers Association of Ohio and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce:
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OBL Issues Joint Statement Warning of Unintended Consequences of Government Price Controls for Ohio Consumers
Yesterday, OBL, the Ohio Credit Union League, CBAO, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement in response to a proposed government-imposed cap on interest rates, which would restrict access to credit for Ohioans and lead to unintended consequences for Ohio'seconomy.
"While we appreciate elected leaders' efforts to increase affordability and spur economic growth, government-imposed price controls will unfortunately create more problems than they solve. By imposing a cap on interest rates, the government would force lenders to reduce access to credit, which would curb consumer spending and force many Ohioans to turn to riskier, more costly lending alternatives. Ohioans deserve more economic choice and financial freedom, not less."
According to new data, a 10% cap on credit card interest rates would lead to a drastic reduction in credit for up to 159 million Americans and up to 5.5 million Ohioans. While a proposed interest rate cap may be intended to lower costs for Ohioans, its implementation would in fact have harmful effects on Ohio consumers and the state's economy, ranging from lower credit limits to higher fees.
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Original text here: https://www.ohiobankersleague.com/News-Information/Headlines/View/ArticleId/28732/OBL-Issues-Joint-Statement-Warning-of-Unintended-Consequences-of-Government-Price-Controls-for-Ohio-Consumers%C2%A0-1
[Category: Financial Services]
NFIB Reaction to New York State Executive Budget Address
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Reaction to New York State Executive Budget Address
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ALBANY, NY - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy association with more than 11,000 members in the Empire State, issued the following statement by NFIB New York State Director Ashley Ranslow in reaction to Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 Executive Budget Address this afternoon:
"The New York State Fiscal Year 2026-27 Executive Budget proposal
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Reaction to New York State Executive Budget Address
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ALBANY, NY - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy association with more than 11,000 members in the Empire State, issued the following statement by NFIB New York State Director Ashley Ranslow in reaction to Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 Executive Budget Address this afternoon:
"The New York State Fiscal Year 2026-27 Executive Budget proposalrightfully rejects tax increases on small businesses and residents across the state, while proposing much-needed changes to the Empire State's oppressive regulatory environment. Small businesses frequently site the overly burdensome, complex, and expensive regulatory landscape as an impediment to doing business in New York while also driving up costs for small businesses and consumers alike. NFIB also commends the Governor's efforts to tackle the out-of-control increases in auto insurance premiums through common sense efforts to crack down on frivolous and expensive lawsuits. As lawmakers and state leaders begin budget negotiations, it is imperative that tax increases are soundly rejected, and no new mandates or burdens are passed onto Main Street businesses."
For over 80 years, NFIB has been the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America's small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit www.NFIB.com.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-reaction-to-new-york-state-executive-budget-address/
NAR Pending Home Sales Report Shows 9.3% Decrease in December
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (TNSxrep) -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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NAR Pending Home Sales Report Shows 9.3% Decrease in December
Month Over Month
* 9.3% decrease in pending home sales
* Declines in all four regions
Year Over Year
* 3.0% decrease in pending home sales
* Gains in in the South; declines in the Northeast, Midwest, and West
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Pending home sales in December decreased by 9.3% from the prior month and 3.0% year over year, according to the the National Association of REALTORS Pending Home Sales Report. The report provides the real estate
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (TNSxrep) -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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NAR Pending Home Sales Report Shows 9.3% Decrease in December
Month Over Month
* 9.3% decrease in pending home sales
* Declines in all four regions
Year Over Year
* 3.0% decrease in pending home sales
* Gains in in the South; declines in the Northeast, Midwest, and West
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Pending home sales in December decreased by 9.3% from the prior month and 3.0% year over year, according to the the National Association of REALTORS Pending Home Sales Report. The report provides the real estateecosystem - including agents and homebuyers and sellers - with data on the level of home sales under contract.
Month-over-month pending home sales declined in all four regions. Year-over-year pending home sales rose in the South and declined in the Northeast, Midwest and West.
"The housing sector is not out of the woods yet," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "After several months of encouraging signs in pending contracts and closed sales, the December new contract figures have dampened the short-term outlook."
"Even after accounting for typical seasonal patterns, interpreting in-person home search activity in the winter - especially in December - can be tricky due to public holidays, people taking time off, and wintry weather conditions," Yun added. "We'll be watching the data in the coming months to determine whether the soft contract signings were a one-month aberration or the start of an underlying trend."
"Data shows closing activity increased in December. However, new listings did not keep pace so inventory decreased. Consumers prefer seeing abundant inventory before making the major decision of purchasing a home. So, the decline in pending home sales could be a result of dampened consumer enthusiasm about buying a home when there are so few options listed for sale. In December there were only 1.18 million homes on the market - matching the lowest inventory level of 2025."
December 2025 National Pending Home Sales
* 9.3% decrease month over month
* 3.0% decrease year over year
December 2025 Regional Pending Home Sales
Northeast
* 11.0% decrease month over month
* 3.6% decrease year over year
Midwest
* 14.9% decrease month over month
* 9.8% decrease year over year
South
* 4.0% decrease month over month
* 2.0% increase year over year
West
* 13.3% decrease month over month
* 5.1% decrease year over year
While national pending home sales dipped in December, several local markets are showing notable year-over-year gains. Among the 50 largest metro areas, the following 10 markets posted the biggest annual increases in pending home sales, according to data from Realtor.com(R) Economics:
* Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN (+23.8%)
* San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (+13.6%)
* Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC (+11.0%)
* Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC (+9.7%)
* Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (+9.2%)
* Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ (+8.7%)
* Oklahoma City, OK (+8.0%)
* Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL (+6.3%)
* Pittsburgh, PA (+5.8%)
* Memphis, TN-MS-AR (+4.7%)
December 2025 REALTORS(R) Confidence Index Survey
The REALTORS(R) Confidence Index (RCI) survey gathers information from REALTORS(R) about local market conditions based on their client interactions and the characteristics of their most recent sales for the month. The RCI is reflective of closed sales activity for December. Findings from the latest RCI report include:
* 39 days: Median time on market for properties, up from 36 days last month and 35 days in December 2024.
* 29% of sales were first-time homebuyers, down from 30% last month and 31% in December 2024.
* 28% of transactions were cash sales, up from 27% a month ago and unchanged from December 2024.
* 18% of transactions were individual investors or second-home buyers, unchanged from last month and up from 16% in December 2024.
* 2% of sales were distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), unchanged from a month ago and December 2024.
* 31% of NAR members expect an increase in buyer traffic over the next three months, up from 22% last month and 27% one year ago.
* 28% expect an increase in seller traffic, up from 18% last month and 27% one year ago.
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About the National Association of REALTORS(R)
The National Association of REALTORS(R) is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes - from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation - visit facts.realtor.
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*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.
Pending contracts are good early indicators of upcoming sales closings. However, the amount of time between pending contracts and completed sales is not identical for all home sales. Variations in the length of the process from pending contract to closed sale can be caused by issues such as buyer difficulties with obtaining mortgage financing, home inspection problems, or appraisal issues.
The index is based on a sample that covers about 40% of multiple listing service data each month. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months.
An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined. By coincidence, the volume of existing-home sales in 2001 fell within the range of 5.0 to 5.5 million, which is considered normal for the current U.S. population.
NOTE: Existing-Home Sales for January will be reported on February 12. The next Pending Home Sales Index will be released on February 19. All release times are 10 a.m. Eastern. View the NAR Statistical News Release Schedule.
[1] Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR's REALTORS(R) Confidence Index, posted at nar.realtor.
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Original text here: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-pending-home-sales-report-shows-9-3-decrease-in-december
[Category: Real Estate]
MOAA Shares Legislative Priorities at Congressional Reception
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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MOAA Shares Legislative Priorities at Congressional Reception
MOAA hosted members of Congress, executive branch officials, Hill staffers, and valued supporters Jan. 14 for a reception marking the start of the second session of the 119th Congress.
The event, held at The Monocle Restaurant on Capitol Hill, also served as an opportunity to share MOAA's top legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
"Bringing stakeholders together on Capitol Hill fosters the collaboration required to move shared
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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MOAA Shares Legislative Priorities at Congressional Reception
MOAA hosted members of Congress, executive branch officials, Hill staffers, and valued supporters Jan. 14 for a reception marking the start of the second session of the 119th Congress.
The event, held at The Monocle Restaurant on Capitol Hill, also served as an opportunity to share MOAA's top legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
"Bringing stakeholders together on Capitol Hill fosters the collaboration required to move sharedpriorities forward," said Maj. Gen. April Vogel, USAF (Ret), MOAA's vice president of Government Relations. "This reception created space for constructive dialogue, strengthened relationships, and kept the focus where it belongs: on servicemembers, veterans, their families, and survivors."
Every attendee also received a list of "MOAA's New Year's Resolutions for Congress." These bills will serve as top focus areas for our association's advocacy efforts in 2026.
Learn more about these bills, and how you can support MOAA's work to pass them, below. Note: This is not an all-encompassing list of MOAA's legislative efforts. For more, visit our Legislative Action Center.
Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3168)
What it does: Allows the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to continue paying servicemembers during any future funding lapse
Who it supports: Currently serving, including National Guard and Reserve members.
MOAA's take: The best solution remains a timely appropriations process. The bills does NOT include members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps or the NOAA Commissioned Corps; MOAA continues to advocate for their inclusion.
How you can help: Click here and send a letter to your lawmakers now.
Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act (H.R. 6231 | S. 3265)
What it does: Modernizes the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a nonrefundable tax credit employers can take for hiring target group members during the employee's first year on the job, by increasing the amount of the credit and adding military spouses as a target group The program is intended to reduce the unemployment rate of "job seekers who have consistently faced barriers to employment" by incentivizing employers with a tax credit, according to the Labor Department.
Who it supports: Unemployed veterans and military spouses.
MOAA's take: MOAA has long championed this program, and the addition of military spouses. Continuing to offer this tax credit to employers while enhancing the program will ensure the veteran unemployment rate remains low. Expanding this benefit to military spouses improves financial stability for the currently serving military family, increasing military readiness and retention rates.
How you can help: Click here (https://moaa.quorum.us/campaign/148732/) and send a letter to your lawmakers now.
Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act (H.R. 1732)
What it does: Reinstates criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits.
Who it supports: Veterans and retirees.
MOAA's take: Veterans deserve trusted, ethical, and accountable support when filing disability claims - support that protects their privacy, respects their service, and preserves their earned compensation. The goal is not to limit veterans' ability to seek help, but to guarantee that when they do, the assistance comes from accredited professionals bound by high ethical and professional standards ... and that our veterans will not be forced to surrender a portion of the benefits they earned in service to the nation.
How you can help: Keep following MOAA advocacy news. A call to action is coming soon.
Military CARE Act (H.R. 6796)
What it does: Requires the Pentagon to establish a digital system designed to improve access to care at military treatment facilities (MTFs) by providing beneficiaries with a standardized platform to report barriers to MTF care and creating a data record that does not exist today to give Defense Health Agency leadership and Congress the insights needed to address systemic access challenges.
Who it supports: All TRICARE beneficiaries, but especially military families.
MOAA's take: We advocated aggressively for this priority in 2025 as part of our spring Advocacy in Action campaign. Military families must have a more effective option for reporting access problems -- an option that also increases transparency to beneficiary challenges and leads to greater accountability and oversight of the MHS.
How you can help: Click here (https://moaa.quorum.us/campaign/151857/) and send a letter to your lawmakers now.
[RELATED: Better Access to Your Health Care Benefit: A Look at the Military CARE Act]
Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act (H.R. 2148 | S. 879)
What it does: Expands health care coverage and career transition support for caregivers, and would require a study designed to provide caregivers with a path toward financial security in retirement.
Who it supports: Millions of caregivers.
MOAA's take: "Just as our veterans answered the call to serve our nation, their caregivers also answered the call to step up and serve them," said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), MOAA's president and CEO. "These dedicated individuals put their own futures on hold -- sacrificing financial security, career advancement, and personal well-being -- to fulfill the nation's promise to take care of our veterans and provide the care veterans deserve.
How you can help: Click here (https://moaa.quorum.us/campaign/113746/) and send a letter to your lawmakers now.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/reads/moaa-shares-legislative-priorities-at-congressional-reception/
[Category: National Defense]
American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries: Prioritize the Saver's Match, Advisory Council Tells IRS
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 22 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following commentary:
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Prioritize the Saver's Match, Advisory Council Tells IRS
By Paul Mulholland
The IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC) recommended that the IRS prioritize implementing the Saver's Match by reducing the administrative burden on sponsors and improving participant education.
The Saver's Match will replace the Saver's Credit in 2027, and was created by the SECURE 2.0 Act. It will enable lower-income retirement savers to receive a 50% government match up to $1,000 for their first
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 22 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following commentary:
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Prioritize the Saver's Match, Advisory Council Tells IRS
By Paul Mulholland
The IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC) recommended that the IRS prioritize implementing the Saver's Match by reducing the administrative burden on sponsors and improving participant education.
The Saver's Match will replace the Saver's Credit in 2027, and was created by the SECURE 2.0 Act. It will enable lower-income retirement savers to receive a 50% government match up to $1,000 for their first$2,000 saved in their retirement plan or a traditional IRA.
Under the "Tax Exempt and Government Entities Subgroup Report," the IRSAC addressed the Saver's Match as Issue Three. The IRSAC argued that implementation must avoid unnecessary burdens for sponsors (the feature is optional for plans) and assist participants in understanding the program.
"The success of the Saver's Match program depends upon convincing retirement plan and IRA administrators to accept the contributions. Additionally, the success of the Saver's Match program also depends upon taxpayers understanding the requirements for eligibility as well as the process for claiming the matching contribution," the report explained.
The report recommended that the IRS should not require that plans accept the match on behalf of savers, since that would rely on information that they don't always have, especially in the case of IRA providers.
The report also recommended that plans be permitted to rely on eligibility self-certification from the participant; confirm that plans need not track the growth on the match for the purposes of hardship withdrawals; "exclude Saver's Match contributions for purposes of the mandatory cashout and automatic rollover IRA rules;" and "provide a model plan document amendment for retirement plans to adopt."
As it relates to participant education, the Council recommended that the IRS issue releases in "plain English," advertise the program on social media such as Reddit and Instagram, and create an "interactive tax assistant tool" to help participants determine their eligibility.
"The taxpayer has flexibility in choosing which IRA or retirement plan their Saver's Match will be contributed to. However, SECURE 2.0 does not require retirement plans or IRAs to accept the Saver's Match contributions. A taxpayer can elect to have the Saver's Match contributed to a given retirement plan or IRA only if that plan/IRA has elected to accept Saver's Match funds," the report said.
The report continued, "Consequently, the success of the Saver's Match program depends upon convincing retirement plan and IRA administrators to accept the contributions."
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Paul Mulholland, Content Writer and Reporter
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Original text here: https://www.asppa-net.org/news/2026/1/prioritize-the-savers-match-advisory-council-tells-irs/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
