Legislative Conference Agenda
2025 FINAL AGENDA
As of 1/27/25
2025 NCPERS Legislative and Regulatory Issues Book
The NCPERS Legislative and Regulatory Book is now available for download! This comprehensive resource offers in-depth insights into critical legislative and regulatory issues impacting public pensions, along with NCPERS' positions on these matters. It serves as an essential guide to understanding current policy developments and their implications for the public pension community.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER NCPERS is excited to welcome William Kristol, renowned political analyst and founding editor of The Weekly Standard, as our keynote speaker. Known for his incisive commentary on FOX News and The Washington Post, Kristol has shaped American political discourse through his advocacy for strong U.S. foreign policy and leadership roles, including serving as chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle. A New York Times bestselling author and recipient of the Bradley Prize, Kristol brings decades of expertise to the stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his insights on the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the nation today. |
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
| 6:30 AM–6:00 PM | REGISTRATION |
| 5:30 PM–6:30 PM | Joint Communications Summit and Legislative Conference Networking Reception
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
| 6:30 AM–6:00 PM | REGISTRATION |
| 7:00 AM–8:00 AM | BREAKFAST |
| 8:00 AM–5:00 PM | GENERAL SESSION |
| 8:00 AM–8:15 AM |
Welcoming Remarks
Hank Kim, Executive Director & Counsel, NCPERS |
| 8:15 AM–9:15 AM | Takeaways from the 2024 National Elections and a Priorities Outlook for 2025 In this insightful session, William Kristol, will analyze the results of the 2024 national elections and their implications for the political and policy landscape. Kristol will delve into key electoral trends, shifts in voter priorities, and the broader impact on governance and legislation. He will also outline a priorities outlook for 2025, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the public sector. SPEAKER William Kristol, Founding Editor, The Weekly Standard |
| 9:15 AM–10:00 AM | Insights from the Hill: A Conversation with Former Congressman Kurt Schrader Join us for an engaging and timely discussion with former U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader, who brings a wealth of experience from his seven terms representing Oregon in the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his bipartisan approach to governance, Kurt will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the new Congress in 2025. This session will explore the organizational complexities of a new legislative term, the pressures of managing slim congressional majorities, and the implications of President Trump’s second term on key policy areas, such as the budget reconciliation process, federal spending, and legislative priorities. Drawing from his time in both federal and state legislatures, Kurt will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Congress, the dynamics of bipartisan negotiations, and the realities of balancing policy ambitions with political constraints. MODERATOR Tony Roda, Partner at Williams & Jensen SPEAKER Kurt Schrader, Principal at Williams & Jensen |
| 10:00 AM–10:15 AM |
REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:15 AM–11:00 AM | Navigating the Evolving Legislative Landscape Join Alex Graf of Alston & Bird for an in-depth discussion on the key policy developments expected to shape the coming months and beyond. This session will focus on the potential extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the critical details surrounding the reconciliation bill. Alex will provide a clear breakdown of budget reconciliation mechanics, including what can and cannot be included, and explore the political dynamics driving these processes. SPEAKER Alex Graf, Senior Policy Advisor, Alston & Bird |
| 11:00 AM–11:45 AM |
The Future of Social Security Join Social Security expert Nancy Altman as she explores the program’s future and how the new administration may address recent changes. She will provide insights into legislative trends, share her perspectives on the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), and discuss strategies to safeguard retirement security in an evolving landscape. SPEAKER Nancy Altman, President, Social Security Works. |
| 11:45 AM–12:00 PM |
NCPERS 2024 Policymaker of the Year The NCPERS Policymaker of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize a policymaker who has made a significant positive impact on public pensions or contributed to advancing retirement security. This year U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, (R-NE) was selected as our 2024 winner. |
| 12:00 PM–1:15 PM | NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:30 PM–2:00 PM | SECURE 2.0: A Desk Reference for Governmental Plans Since the SECURE 2.0 Act was signed into law, retirement plan sponsors have been working to understand the specific changes that will impact their plans, employees and retirees. The legislation included approximately 90 separate provisions and impacts virtually all aspects of retirement savings for American workers. This session will provide an overview of the key changes most relevant to governmental plans, drawing on insights from NCPERS’ SECURE 2.0: A Desk Reference for Governmental Plans. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on amendment deadlines, compliance requirements, and the latest IRS interpretations, equipping them to better serve their employees and retirees. SPEAKER Robert Gauss, Ice Miller |
| 2:00 PM–2:45 PM |
NCPERS 2025 Legislative Policies This session offers an in-depth exploration of the legislative priorities shaping the public pension landscape in 2025. Attendees will gain insights into key federal and state legislative initiatives, their potential impacts on retirement security, and strategies to navigate emerging challenges. SPEAKER Tony Roda, Williams & Jensen |
| 2:45 PM–3:15PM | Anticipated Pensions, Personnel, and Other Benefit Activities in State Capitals This session will provide an overview of emerging legislative priorities in state capitals, focusing on pensions, personnel policies, and employee benefits. It will explore the challenges and opportunities policymakers face and the potential impacts on public pension systems, workforce policies, and retirement benefits. SPEAKER Angela Rowe, Policy Specialist, Employment, Labor & RetirementNational Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) |
| 3:15 PM–3:30 PM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 3:30 PM–4:15PM | How State Budgets Will Impact Public Pension Funding State budgets are a key factor in determining whether public pensions receive their full actuarially determined contributions (ADC). As 2025 approaches, it brings both challenges and opportunities in the budgetary landscape. Shelby Kerns will offer an in-depth analysis of the state budget outlook and its implications for pension contributions, emphasizing how fiscal policies and economic conditions shape the resources available to meet pension obligations. SPEAKER Shelby Kerns, National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) |
| 4:15 PM–4:30 PM | Championing Change: Rep. Abigail Spanberger's Leadership on HR 82 for State and Local Employees Join former Rep. Abigail Spanberger [Rep.-D-VA-7] as she shares her journey in championing and delivering on HR 82, a pivotal piece of legislation that has significantly impacted state and local employees. |
| 4:30 PM–5:15 PM | Panel Discussion with Public Sector Union Lobbyists Join this moderated discussion featuring public sector union lobbyists as they reflect on the victories and milestones achieved in 2024. Panelists will delve into the pressing challenges currently impacting the public sector and share their strategies and priorities for navigating the political and legislative landscape in 2025. PANELISTS Evan Davis, Director of Government Affairs at International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Andrea Edmiston, Director of Governmental Affairs at National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) Megan Stockhausen, Government Relations, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) |
| 5:15 PM–6:30 PM | NETWORKING RECEPTION |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 – POLICY DAY
| 8:00 AM–9:00 AM | Policy Day Kick-Off Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Policy Day Lounge |
| 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Capitol Hill Meetings
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| 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Policy Day Networking Lunch |
| 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Policy Day Networking Reception |
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS
By attending the Legislative Conference, you can earn up to 6.5 Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state-mandated continuing education requirements. CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account after the conference, where you can log in to download your CE certificate.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not imply an endorsement by the Board regarding the quality of the MET program.
Additionally, NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s requirements to confirm CE eligibility.