PRESENTED BY:

October 14, 2026

In this Franchise Policy Pulse, IFA Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Layman discusses the upcoming midterm elections and encourages the franchise community to make their voices heard at the ballot box on November 3.

Make Your Plan to Vote

Election Day is November 3, and IFA is encouraging franchise professionals to plan ahead and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Why It Matters: Elected officials on the federal, state, and local level will make decisions that can directly impact your business. As part of IFA’s commitment to keeping the franchise community informed and engaged, IFA has built Franchising Votes, a nonpartisan resource that helps voters check their registration status, learn about candidates on their local ballot, and find their polling location, all in one place.

What’s Next: Check your registration status today and make your plan to vote ahead of Election Day here.

New Jersey Plastics Bill Targets Franchisors

What Happened: The New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee is set to consider S4656, which would require businesses to cut their plastic packaging in half over 10 years and ban 23 chemicals and materials in it. IFA submitted comments to the committee ahead of the scheduled discussion, originally set for Oct. 8 but postponed to later in the year.

Why It Matters: The bill, led by Sen. Bob Smith, makes franchisors responsible for the packaging used at every franchised location in the state. Franchisors would have to track, report, pay fees on, and cut the plastic packaging used across their New Jersey locations. Violations could cost up to $50,000 per day, and common materials like polystyrene would be banned outright.

What’s Next: The committee will likely hold the discussion hearing in November or December.

ADVERTISEMENT | Advertise with IFA

VA Department Highlights IFA's VetFran

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently highlighted IFA's VetFran program and its 35-year commitment to helping veterans pursue business ownership through franchising.

Why It Matters: Veterans own more than 14% of U.S. franchise businesses, as it is often a suitable match for veteran entrepreneurs wanting to pursue business ownership. Through VetFran, veterans can access financial incentives, training, and mentorship to help get started in franchising.

What’s Next: Read the full article from the VA and spread the word about how VetFran is helping veterans transition after their time in uniform.