January 29, 2025

Trump Removes NLRB Officials

Late Monday, President Donald Trump removed Jennifer Abruzzo as General Counsel to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), along with acting chair Gwynne Wilcox.

What this means: Amid ongoing speculation about the policy priorities of the new administration, these moves clear the way for Trump to install a replacement with a more business-friendly approach.

What’s next: The removal of Wilcox could face legal challenges and follows Trump’s appointment of Marvin Kaplan to serve as NLRB Chair. The White House and NLRB have yet to announce when they will fill these vacancies.

IFA Touts Collins for Vets' Department

On January 24, IFA sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee supporting Doug Collins as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Our thought bubble: Founded in 1991, IFA’s VetFran serves as a bridge between the veteran and franchise communities and acts as a strategic resource for veterans transitioning to civilian life. With veterans making up 14% of all franchisees, compared to only 7% of the general population, IFA stands ready to collaborate with Collins to support veteran franchisees and employees. 

Zoom in: Collins advanced out of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee last week, and his full Senate confirmation vote could come as soon as this week.

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IFA Hosts Members of Congress

On January 23, IFA hosted its “Welcome to Congress” event on Capitol Hill, convening a bipartisan coalition of more than a dozen members of Congress and IFA members from industries like fitness, lodging, restaurants, and shipping.

Why it matters: The group discussed franchising's significant impact on communities, and how lawmakers can support its growth in 2025 through our 2025 Policy Roadmap.

One fun thing: Attendees enjoyed breakfast provided by Yum! Brands and McDonald’s.

Register for IFA Tax Webinar Tomorrow

As businesses brace for anticipated federal tax law changes, join IFA this Thursday, January 30, at 12:00 PM ET for a web program called “What to Expect When You're Expecting Tax Changes” as key parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Why it matters: IFA’s Mike Layman and Martin Reiser of S-3 Group, a Capitol Hill veteran and one of the architects of the TCJA, will explain what these changes mean for your business and how Congress will move forward on issues like bonus depreciation and small business deductions. 

What’s next: Don’t miss this chance to get clear tax insights—register now!

IFA Supports Data Privacy Legislation

IFA is calling on Congress to establish a comprehensive national data privacy law to protect consumers and streamline compliance for businesses.

What this means: In a letter addressed to U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), as well as U.S. Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the respective chair and ranking members of the Senate and House Committee on Energy and Commerce, IFA called for federal preemption of state laws, the preservation of beneficial data uses, and tailored compliance requirements to avoid overburdening small businesses.

Why it matters: Dating back to the 118th Congress, IFA has been engaged in privacy issues to protect the data of franchisees, franchisors and consumers alike.

CTA Requirements Remain Paused

In the latest development in the IFA-opposed Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enforcement of the law remains on hold despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week in favor of the U.S. Treasury Department, whose Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is overseeing the law’s implementation.

Dig deeper: While the Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a lower court order that was blocking enforcement of the CTA, a separate national injunction issued earlier this month by a federal judge remains in place, meaning businesses are not required to file beneficial ownership information while the second ruling stays in effect. 

Our thought bubble: IFA will continue supporting a permanent delay or repeal of the CTA, which would require nearly all franchised businesses to file an annual Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. 

IFA Advocating on Michigan Paid Leave

In the Wolverine State, IFA is leading the push for HB 4002, legislation aimed at mitigating the harm of a recent Michigan Supreme Court decision on paid leave. 

Why it matters: Set to take effect February 21, the sweeping new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) represents one of the most far-reaching and stringent paid time off laws found in any state, treating franchisees as 'big business.' HB 4002 finds a workable solution for Michigan businesses. 

Go deeper: Read the two-page document here. 

January 29 at 1:00 pm ET | 2025 FBN Webinar | REGISTER

January 29 at 3:30 pm ET | New Member & First Time Attendee Pre-Convention Workshop| REGISTER

January 30 at 12:00 pm ET | What to Expect When You're Expecting Tax Changes Webinar | REGISTER

February 10 - 13, 2025 | 2025 Annual Convention, Las Vegas, NV | REGISTER

April 11 - 12, 2025 | International Franchise Show London, ExCeL London | REGISTER

May 4-6, 2025 | IFA Legal Symposium | SAVE THE DATE

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May 9-10, 2025 | The IFA World Franchise Show, Miami, FL | REGISTER