Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Working Lands Alliance - a Project of American Farmland Trust - Statement on the Passage of Public Act 25-141 - An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The American Farmland Trust issued the following news release on July 11, 2025:
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Working Lands Alliance - a project of American Farmland Trust - Statement on the Passage of Public Act 25-141 - An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes
(Hartford, CT) Working Lands Alliance commends the Connecticut State Legislature, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and Governor Ned Lamont for the passage of Public Act (PA) 25-141 - An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The American Farmland Trust issued the following news release on July 11, 2025:
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Working Lands Alliance - a project of American Farmland Trust - Statement on the Passage of Public Act 25-141 - An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes
(Hartford, CT) Working Lands Alliance commends the Connecticut State Legislature, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and Governor Ned Lamont for the passage of Public Act (PA) 25-141 - An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes.
This key piece of legislation will establish a farmland access grant program at the CT Department of Agriculture. This program is in alignment with recommendations made in many different state reports over the years, including, but not limited to, Farmland Access & Ownership: An Overview of Barriers, Models, and Actions to Increase Land Access for Connecticut's BIPOC Farmers; CT Department of Agriculture's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Agriculture Recommendations; and Farmland Needed: How Connecticut Can Help Farmers Access the Land They Need to Succeed. By creating a farmland access grant program, Connecticut is increasing the number of tools available to farmers seeking land and those looking to sell their land to the next generation.
According to the 2024 National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) Annual Land Values Survey, farmland in CT is the third most expensive in the country, tied with Massachusetts, with an average price of $14,300 per acre. The 2022 NASS Agricultural Census stated that 372,014 acres of farmland were in agricultural production. This is a 2% decrease in total acreage, and an 8% decrease in the number of farms since 2017.
PA 25-141 will allow the CT Department of Agriculture to create a farmland access grant program that addresses some of the potential barriers farmers face when seeking access to farmland and creating viable pathways for farmers looking at farm succession options. The grant program will allow the Department to employ a variety of tools including Buy-Protect-Sell, where land is purchased at its market value, protected with an agricultural conservation easement, and sold to a farmer. The program will also enable the CT Department of Agriculture to work with land trusts to acquire Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value restrictions which will ensure protected farmland remains in the hands of farmers in the future. Lastly, some of the funds could be used to support the state in owning more farmland and leasing it to farmers looking for long-term lease agreements.
The legislation sets up the program to launch in 2027, which gives the CT Department of Agriculture, farmers, and agricultural service providers an opportunity to design and work together to initiate the grant program.
The passage of PA 25-141 is a major win for the future of Connecticut agriculture and its overall prosperity.
"Under the focused leadership of the Lamont administration, Connecticut has made significant progress in expanding access to farmland. Since convening a working group in 2019, the state has modernized farmland preservation regulations and processes--culminating in a record number of farm parcels protected in 2023," said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. "The passage of PA 25-141 builds on that momentum, ensuring that both current and future farmers have the opportunity to access land and produce Connecticut-grown farm products for generations to come."
"It was a pleasure collaborating with the Working Lands Alliance, the CT Department of Agriculture and my legislative colleagues to finally pass legislation that adds another tool to preserve Connecticut farmland," said Deputy House Speaker Joe Gresko (D-121). "Our off session working group produced cooperation and results, which were a long time coming."
"It is vital to protect Connecticut's farmland and ensure the next generation of farmers can access the land they need to grow and thrive," said Senator Rick Lopes (D-6). "This funding and legislation represent a major step forward in preserving our agricultural heritage while supporting a more secure and sustainable future for farming in our state."
"While many consider Connecticut to be a heavily urbanized state, it has a long and proud farming history that survives to this day. Thankfully, we still have hearty men and women willing to work the land and animals to provide us with the food, fiber and other products we need," said Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47). "The agriculture bills, including PA 25-141, the legislature passed this year show that we have legislators in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle willing to work to make our farmers' jobs just a little easier."
"The number of acres under farming is shrinking in Connecticut and in eastern Connecticut, where I live. The grant program in PA 25-141 can put a stop to this by linking new farmers with land they can buy or lease, and by helping existing farmers more easily sell their land that will not only be protected as farmland but actually used as farmland," said Senator Cathy Osten (D-19), who is Senate Chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. "These changes have been overdue in Connecticut and I'm proud to have supported a measure that will help grow and protect farmland in Connecticut."
"The passage of PA 25-141 marks a major step forward for farmland preservation and access in Connecticut. By authorizing tools like the Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value, the state now has more options to offer farmers who want to access land - and to offer farmland owners who want to keep land in farming," said Jim Habana Hafner, American Farmland Trust New England Regional Director. "American Farmland Trust is proud to be the longtime home of the Working Lands Alliance and to have worked alongside our coalition partners and with the CT Department of Agriculture to advance this important legislation. PA 25-141 protects farmland as a critical resource for more thriving farms, local food security, climate resilience, and community vitality."
"The cost and availability of farmland continues to be the number one challenge for both beginning and existing farmers. PA 25-141 will provide a grant program for the CT Department of Agriculture to fully utilize the creativity and commitment of our land trusts and municipalities to protect more farmland and increase the affordability by using new and innovative tools," said Kip Kolesinskas, Chair of the Working Lands Alliance. "The Working Lands Alliance thanks our citizens, Legislators, Commissioner, and Governor for their vision and actions to make this happen!"
Cris Coffin, American Farmland Trust National Agricultural Land Network Director and Senior Policy Advisor, said "States across the country are wrestling with how to reduce barriers to entry and profitability for next generation farmers. This legislation thoughtfully enables the CT Department of Agriculture to develop multiple tools to help address land availability and affordability, key barriers to entry and profitability. Kudos to the advocates and lawmakers who made this happen!"
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Original text here: https://farmland.org/blog/working-lands-alliance-a-project-of-american-farmland-trust-statement-on-the-passage-of-public-act-25-141-an-act-establishing-a-grant-program-for-agricultural-preservation-and-farmland-access-purposes
[Category: Agriculture]
VA Expands Burial Benefits for Some Veterans
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news on July 10, 2025:
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VA Expands Burial Benefits for Some Veterans
By Kevin Lilley
Some veterans who pass away while receiving VA-provided home hospice care will be eligible for a full VA burial allowance, the VA announced July 10, enacting one of many provisions in a MOAA-backed bill passed late last year.
The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act ensures these veterans are among those eligible for the full benefit, which had not been the case under
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news on July 10, 2025:
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VA Expands Burial Benefits for Some Veterans
By Kevin Lilley
Some veterans who pass away while receiving VA-provided home hospice care will be eligible for a full VA burial allowance, the VA announced July 10, enacting one of many provisions in a MOAA-backed bill passed late last year.
The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act ensures these veterans are among those eligible for the full benefit, which had not been the case underprior law. The change "better supports veterans who choose to spend their final days at home, surrounded by loved ones," VA Secretary Doug Collins said in the announcement.
The benefit expansion applies to those who pass away between July 1, 2025, and Oct. 1, 2026, and were receiving hospice care at home after being discharged from a facility where they were receiving VA-provided medical or nursing care. Family members of these veterans are asked to reach out to their local VA for further details and benefit application information; more information on VA burial benefits is available on the VA website or by calling (800) 827-1000.
MOAA joined more than 40 other veterans organizations in supporting the Dole Act, which combined more than 90 pieces of legislation into a bill offering expanded benefits and support services to veterans, their families, and their caregivers. It increases the VA share of home nursing care costs from 65% to 100% and launches a pilot program for hiring more nursing aides to offer VA-backed in-home care in underserved regions, among other home-care benefits.
MOAA has been tracking the act's implementation since it became law. One key step came in the spring, when VA officials began engaging with veterans service organizations (VSOs) to develop plans to recognize individuals and groups that provide no-cost assistance to those looking to navigate VA health care and benefits systems.
MOAA's ongoing VA legislative advocacy includes work on behalf of the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement (3R) Act, which would expand employment, retirement planning, health care, and other financial resources available to caregivers.
Keep up with the latest MOAA advocacy efforts via our newly redesigned Legislative Action Center.
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About the Author
Kevin Lilley
Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/va-expands-burial-benefits-for-some-veterans/
[Category: National Defense]
Taxpayer Victory - Natural Disasters Act to Deliver Rapid Relief and Certainty, Headed to President's Desk for Signature
NEW YORK, July 12 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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Taxpayer Victory - Natural Disasters Act to Deliver Rapid Relief and Certainty, Headed to President's Desk for Signature
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Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2025) - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and state CPA societies have strongly advocated Congress to authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state-declared disaster upon a declaration by the state governor. Earlier this year, the House
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 12 -- The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants issued the following news release:
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Taxpayer Victory - Natural Disasters Act to Deliver Rapid Relief and Certainty, Headed to President's Desk for Signature
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Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2025) - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and state CPA societies have strongly advocated Congress to authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to postpone federal tax deadlines for taxpayers affected by a qualified state-declared disaster upon a declaration by the state governor. Earlier this year, the Houseof Representatives unanimously passed the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517) and this week the Senate followed suit, passing the bill by unanimous consent. The bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature.
Historically, the process of receiving tax filing and payment relief from the IRS during a disaster is triggered by a federal disaster declaration, which can come days, weeks or months after a disaster. Therefore, affected taxpayers may wait months before knowing if they will be entitled to much needed tax relief. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will expedite the issuance of federal tax relief and provide the IRS with authority to grant tax relief once the governor of a state declares a disaster or state of emergency.
"The passage of this important legislation is a major win for taxpayers and tax practitioners across the country," said AICPA President & CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA. "When taxpayers are impacted by a disaster, the stress, anxiety and emotional toll can be overwhelming - these people should be afforded every opportunity to meet their tax obligations without additional hardship. We applaud the actions taken by members of Congress to set aside political ideology and unanimously support taxpayers by providing disaster victims' timely relief. This bill will allow those impacted by a natural disaster to have certainty that tax filing deadlines will be extended earlier in the process, and sometimes before the disaster occurs, so they can focus on their safety."
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
BACKGROUND:
* April 1, 2025 -- AICPA Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Bills to Improve Tax Administration and Offer Relief to Taxpayers, Practitioners The AICPA applauded the unanimous passage in the House of 4 bills that AICPA recently submitted a support letter on H.R. 1152, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act, H.R. 998, the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act, H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (FRNDA), and H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act (DREDA).
* March 31, 2025 -- In Support of H.R. 1152, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act, H.R. 998, the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act, H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, and H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act
The AICPA supports FRNDA, sponsored by Rep. David Kustoff (TN-8) and Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28). To hasten the issuance of federal tax relief, the FRNDA would provide the IRS with authority to grant tax relief once the governor of a state declares either a disaster or state of emergency. The FRNDA would also expand the mandatory federal filing extension under Sec. 7508(d) from 60 days to 120 days, providing taxpayers with additional time to file tax returns following a disaster. Increasing such period to a mandatory 120-day period would provide taxpayers and tax practitioners much needed relief, even before a disaster strikes.
* March 6, 2025 -- 2025 AICPA Tax Legislation Priorities and 2025 Tax Legislative Compendium AICPA submitted to Congress its 2025 AICPA tax legislation priorities (which includes - provide permanent and consistent tax relief to individuals and businesses affected by natural disasters (AICPA comments), such as the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517 / S. 132)).
* Sept. 15, 2021 --The AICPA expressed strong support for S. 2748, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, that would extend the IRS's authority to grant tax relief following state-declared disasters and states of emergency. The bill would also expand the mandatory federal filing extension from 60 days to 120 days, which provides taxpayers with additional time to file taxes following a disaster.
* June 2, 2021 -- The AICPA has expressed strong support or the bipartisan "Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act" introduced by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and John Katko (R-NY). This bill would extend the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) authority to grant tax filing relief following state-declared disasters and states of emergency. The legislation also expands the mandatory federal filing extension from 60 days to 120 days, which provides taxpayers with additional time to file their taxes following a disaster.
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Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/taxpayer-victory-natural-disasters-act-to-deliver-rapid-relief-and-certainty
[Category: Accounting]
National MS Society: New Study Finds Surgery to Be Safe in 3,000+ People Living With MS
NEW YORK, July 12 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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New Study finds Surgery to be Safe in 3,000+ People Living with MS
A team from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden reviewed 3,022 surgeries in people living with MS and found no increases in deaths compared with 830,004 surgeries in people without MS. Importantly, a review of diagnostic codes showed increases in health issues in the months leading up to and following surgery. The results indicate a need for careful monitoring of people with MS who undergo surgery to identify and treat such conditions.
Background:
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 12 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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New Study finds Surgery to be Safe in 3,000+ People Living with MS
A team from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden reviewed 3,022 surgeries in people living with MS and found no increases in deaths compared with 830,004 surgeries in people without MS. Importantly, a review of diagnostic codes showed increases in health issues in the months leading up to and following surgery. The results indicate a need for careful monitoring of people with MS who undergo surgery to identify and treat such conditions.
Background:People with MS who undergo surgery might be concerned about whether such procedures will increase disease activity. Surgical intervention does trigger inflammation as part of the healing process. There are few studies in this area, but those that exist show no increase in relapses during the postoperative period or as a result of general anesthesia.
The Study: These investigators looked at data on 3,022 people with MS before and after they underwent surgery. They identified these cases in a Swedish database that includes information on more than 1.5 million surgeries. They also looked at diagnostic codes for symptoms related to MS, such as fatigue, depression, or pain, as well as unrelated conditions. The researchers compared the experiences of people with MS with a group of 830,004 people who did not have MS.
Results: The results indicate no increase in deaths from surgery in people with MS after surgery, when compared with people who did not have MS. This indicates the overall safety of surgery for people living with MS.
However, the team did see that people with MS experienced an increase in health issues, both related and unrelated to MS, in the 4 months leading up to surgery and in the 4 months after surgery.
Why does this matter? This study increases the evidence that surgery is safe for people with MS. However, it also calls attention to a possible increase in both MS and non-MS-related conditions near the time of surgery. Further study is needed to understand why this would be the case.
Meanwhile, open communication with healthcare providers before and after surgery is key for people living with MS, so that providers know about any new conditions and can address them.
Learn more...
Read what a nurse has to say about hospital stays.
Get tips for communicating with healthcare professionals.
"Impact of surgery in patients with multiple sclerosis: a nationwide cohort study" by Emma Larsson, Ellen Iacobaeus, Erik von Oelreich, Jesper Eriksson, and Jessica Kahlin, is published in Frontiers in Neurology (16:1573349).
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/surgery-ms
[Category: Health Care]
Motion Picture Association Partners With America250 to Celebrate Nation's 250th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Motion Picture Association issued the following news on July 11, 2025:
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Motion Picture Association Partners with America250 to Celebrate Nation's 250th Anniversary
Partnership Highlights Film, Television, and Streaming Industry's Cultural and Economic Impact in the United States
MPA Unveils Special "America250" Signage at Iconic Headquarters in Washington, DC
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The Motion Picture Association (MPA) today announced a new partnership with America250, the national organization leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 12 -- The Motion Picture Association issued the following news on July 11, 2025:
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Motion Picture Association Partners with America250 to Celebrate Nation's 250th Anniversary
Partnership Highlights Film, Television, and Streaming Industry's Cultural and Economic Impact in the United States
MPA Unveils Special "America250" Signage at Iconic Headquarters in Washington, DC
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The Motion Picture Association (MPA) today announced a new partnership with America250, the national organization leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration ofIndependence.
"America is the birthplace and home of the film and television industry - a country where the creative sector serves as a backbone of our economic strength, our cultural power, and our global leadership," said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA. "Our partnership with America250 will celebrate our nation's long tradition of unparalleled innovation and unmatched imagination - and highlight our work to empower the world's greatest storytellers to keep inspiring, moving, and lifting up audiences and communities everywhere."
"The American story has long been shared through the power of film, television, and streaming," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. "As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, this partnership with the Motion Picture Association allows us to spotlight the storytellers who have brought our history, culture, and values to life for generations. Together, we celebrate not only where we've been, but also the boundless creative spirit that continues to define who we are as a nation."
Rivkin underscored this message, and the importance of a strong film, television, and streaming industry in the United States, during his 2025 State of the Industry address at CinemaCon in April in Las Vegas. His full remarks are available here.
The partnership with America250 will feature year-round programs to highlight the motion picture industry's cultural and economic impact throughout the history of the United States. Today, the U.S. film, television, and streaming industry:
* Supports more than 2.3 million American jobs across all 50 states;
* Generates a positive trade balance in every major market in the world - exporting 3.1x more than it imports;
* Delivers over $229 billion in wages to American workers;
* Pays 64% higher than the national average for direct jobs overall;
* Includes over 122,000 businesses nationwide (92% of which are small businesses employing fewer than 10 people);
* Makes $21 billion in payments to over 194,000 businesses across the country; and
* Produces $38 billion in public revenues.
The partnership officially launched on July 4, 2025 with the MPA unveiling new signage outside of its iconic Washington, DC headquarters. The signage features the America250 logo alongside the MPA and its seven member studios' logos. It reads: "Sharing America's stories with audiences everywhere." The signage can be seen at 1600 I (Eye) Street Northwest for the entirety of the year-long celebration of America's 250th. Photos of the signage are available here.
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Original text here: https://www.motionpictures.org/press/motion-picture-association-partners-with-america250-to-celebrate-nations-250th-anniversary/
[Category: Entertainment Industry]
Maximizing ROI: Every $1 in Business Travel Yields $14.60 in Profits, New Study Finds
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 12 (TNSrep) -- The American Society of Travel Advisors issued the following news release:
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Maximizing ROI: Every $1 in Business Travel Yields $14.60 in Profits, New Study Finds
New research from GBTA, developed in partnership with ASTA, reveals just how powerful business travel remains as a driver of corporate performance.
WHAT:
U.S. companies are leaving trillions on the table by underinvesting in business travel, according to new research released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 12 (TNSrep) -- The American Society of Travel Advisors issued the following news release:
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Maximizing ROI: Every $1 in Business Travel Yields $14.60 in Profits, New Study Finds
New research from GBTA, developed in partnership with ASTA, reveals just how powerful business travel remains as a driver of corporate performance.
WHAT:
U.S. companies are leaving trillions on the table by underinvesting in business travel, according to new research released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).The landmark study reveals that a modest 8.3% increase in corporate travel and entertainment (T&E) spending could drive a 6% jump in sales - resulting in an estimated $2.4 trillion in new revenue.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Despite a strong rebound in recent years, the research shows that inflation-adjusted business travel investment remains $66 billion below pre-pandemic benchmarks. The study, which analyzed 24 years of industry data across 14 major U.S. sectors, found that current T&E spending is about $24 billion short of the profit-maximizing level of $319.1 billion. Companies that close that gap stand to gain an average return of $14.60 in net operating margin for every $1 invested in business travel.
ASTA is also partnering with GBTA to specifically evaluate the bottom-line impact Travel Management Companies (TMCs) have across a range of industries and their effect on corporations' key financial outcomes like profitability, revenue growth, cost savings and even share price performance when it comes to tightly (vs. moderately and lightly) managed travel. Findings are expected to be completed in the early fall.
QUOTE FROM MARK MEADER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ASTA CORPORATE:
"The research released by GBTA this week tells a powerful story regarding the value of corporate travel. This initial study confirms what our corporate agency members have long known - business travel is not just an expense, it's an engine for growth. When companies invest strategically in travel, they're investing in relationships, revenue and resilience. We hope the next phase of our research with focus on the value of managed travel through the TMC will prove that not only modest increases in T&E yield extraordinary returns, managed travel specifically through a TMC is all the more powerful and financially valuable to the corporation - especially in today's competitive and evolving business landscape.
This week's findings are the perfect segway to our ongoing research that will release this fall, showing the value of tightly managed travel and the financial benefits of utilizing Travel Management Companies."
WHERE TO FIND THE FULL STUDY:
The full study can be found here (https://www.gbta.org/research/2025-US-ROI-Study/).
ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Media should feel free to utilize the provided quote above for attribution to Mark Meader, Executive Vice President, ASTA Corporate. Additionally, Mark is available for interviews to further discuss the research findings. To schedule time for an interview, please contact ASTA's Director of Communications, Margo Van Ness, at mvanness@asta.org.
ABOUT ASTA
Founded in 1931, The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the broader travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with several hundred internationally based members and travel partners, ASTA champions the essential role of travel advisors through advocacy, education and professional development. In addition to serving as a professional resource for travel advisors, ASTA maintains a long-standing commitment to elevating the travel industry by promoting integrity, expertise and consumer confidence. Learn more at www.asta.org.
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Original text here: https://www.asta.org/about-us/press/pressReleaseDetail/2025/07/11/maximizing-roi--every--1-in-business-travel-yields--14.60-in-profits--new-study-finds
[Category: Travel]
Infectious Diseases Society: Budget Reconciliation Bill - A Big Setback to Our Nation's Health
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 12 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following news release on July 11, 2025:
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Budget reconciliation bill: A big setback to our nation's health
IDSA and HIVMA are deeply concerned by the infectious diseases and public health consequences of the costly 2025 budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that will take health care coverage away from an estimated 17 million Americans and erase critical gains over the last decade in dramatically lowering the rate of Americans without health insurance. The bill signed into law by President Trump July 4 was
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 12 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following news release on July 11, 2025:
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Budget reconciliation bill: A big setback to our nation's health
IDSA and HIVMA are deeply concerned by the infectious diseases and public health consequences of the costly 2025 budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that will take health care coverage away from an estimated 17 million Americans and erase critical gains over the last decade in dramatically lowering the rate of Americans without health insurance. The bill signed into law by President Trump July 4 waspassed by the Senate July 1 and then quickly advanced without changes by the House of Representatives July 3.
After Senate passage, HIVMA warned lawmakers of the potentially life-threatening consequences of hundreds of thousands of people with HIV and vulnerable to HIV losing access to HIV treatment and prevention services. IDSA urged Congress not to take medical care away from millions of Americans, noting that the bill would lead to a sicker population, greater administrative burden and higher health care costs.
It will now be up to the states to do the hard work of implementing the massive deluge of new administration and bureaucratic requirements for low-income individuals and families to obtain and maintain their health care coverage. IDSA and HIVMA urge state policymakers to partner with infectious diseases and HIV health care professionals and community members as they implement the new requirements to mitigate the harms to people with and affected by HIV and other infectious diseases and to public health.
Key Medicaid provisions
Health coverage losses will come from unprecedented cuts to the Medicaid program and from Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan policy changes. Medicaid is the largest health insurer for people with HIV, with more than 40% having Medicaid coverage, and is an important source of coverage for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users. The cuts to Medicaid largely result from people losing coverage due to new eligibility and enrollment requirements and restrictions on state funding mechanisms. Highlighted below are a few key Medicaid policy changes that will impact the ID and HIV community. For a more comprehensive summary, see KFF's Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill.
"Work" or "community engagement" requirements
* Require most Medicaid expansion enrollees between the ages of 19 and 64 to report 80 hours of work or "community engagement" activities a month.
* Exempt a limited number of adults, including parents of dependent children 13 and under and those who are medically frail.
* If disenrolled from Medicaid due to failure to meet work requirements - also prohibited from receiving subsidized ACA coverage.
* States required to implement by Dec. 31, 2026, or earlier at state discretion.
* HHS secretary may extend the deadline to Dec. 31, 2028, for states demonstrating a good faith effort in implementing the bill.
Why it matters:
* A majority of Medicaid enrollees work, with the exception of those who are unable because they are disabled.
* Evaluations of states that have enacted work requirements, such as Arkansas and Georgia, show that people who are working have been cut off, leading to lower levels of enrollment and increased administrative costs.
More frequent eligibility determinations for the Medicaid expansion population
* Require states to conduct eligibility determinations every six months for the Medicaid expansion population.
* HHS secretary required to issue guidance within 180 days of enactment.
* Take effect with renewals scheduled on or after Dec. 31, 2026.
Why it matters:
* More frequent eligibility verifications for Medicaid beneficiaries and people with HIV have been shown to cut off services for people who are eligible and who are in greater need of health coverage and services.
Requires higher cost sharing for some of the Medicaid expansion population
* Requires states to impose mandatory cost sharing of up to $35 on adults with incomes between 100% and 138% of federal poverty levels (or $15,650 to $21,597 per year for an individual).
* Primary care, mental health and substance use disorder services are exempt from cost sharing. Nominal cost sharing is maintained for prescription drugs.
* Exempts services provided by federally qualified health centers, behavioral health clinics and rural health clinics.
* Takes effect Oct. 1, 2028.
Why it matters:
* Studies routinely find that higher cost sharing limits access to necessary health care services.
Restricts the definition of immigrants qualified for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program
* Narrows the definition of immigrants who may be eligible for Medicaid coverage after a five-year waiting period to lawfully present residents, certain Cuban and Haitian immigrants, citizens of the Freely Associated States (COFA migrants) lawfully residing in the U.S. and lawfully residing children and pregnant adults in certain states that cover them.
* Takes effect Oct. 1, 2026.
Why it matters:
* In 2023 - 20% of lawfully present immigrants were uninsured compared to an 8% uninsured rate among U.S.-born citizens.
* People without health coverage are more likely to delay seeking care, including for HIV and other infectious diseases.
Prohibits funding for essential community providers who provide abortion services
* Prohibits Medicaid payments for essential community providers primarily engaged in family planning services or reproductive services and who provide abortions and received $800,000 or more in payments from Medicaid in 2023.
* Takes effect upon enactment for one year.
Why it matters:
* Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health clinics are important access points, and in some areas, the only source for HIV and sexually transmitted infections testing and other prevention services, including condoms, HIV PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Temporary bump up in Medicare physician payment provision
* The final bill includes a temporary, one-year increase of 2.5% to the Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor for all services provided between Jan. 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027. The House-passed version of the bill would have tied physician payment updates to the Medicare Economic Index, a measure of practice cost inflation, beginning in 2026.
Why it matters:
* Later this summer, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to release its annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule for 2026. These rules frequently include reductions to the conversion factor, which result in a reduction in physician reimbursement. This provision in the reconciliation bill will proactively address a potential cut or provide an increase to physician reimbursement if there is not a cut in the 2026 proposed rule.
Notable omissions from the House bill
The Senate removed a provision that prohibited the use of Medicaid funding for "gender transition procedures" for minors and adults because the parliamentarian ruled that it would require 60 votes rather than a simple majority. A provision that would have penalized states that provided Medicaid coverage to immigrants with state funding also was removed because of concerns raised by the parliamentarian.
About IDSA and HIVMA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Within IDSA, the HIV Medicine Association is a community of health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. Visit idsociety.org and hivma.org to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2025/budget-reconciliation-bill-a-big-setback-to-our-nations-health----updated-july-7-2025/
[Category: Medical]
