Legislative Conference Agenda
2025 PRELIMINARY AGENDA
As of 1/14/25
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED! 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 | 119th Congress: Preview of the Tax and Retirement Agenda This session will provide a forward-looking preview of the tax and retirement policy agenda for the 119th Congress. It will explore key legislative priorities, including proposed tax reforms and retirement security initiatives, and their potential impact on public pensions and employee benefits. SPEAKER TBD |
| 10:00 AM–10:15 AM |
Networking Break |
| 10:15 AM–11:30 AM | 119th Congress: Preview of the Social Security Agenda This session will provide an in-depth look at the Social Security policy agenda for the 119th Congress. It will examine potential legislative priorities, including proposals to address long-term solvency, benefit adjustments, and program modernization. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Social Security reforms and insights into how these changes could impact retirement security. SPEAKERS TBD |
| 11:30 AM–12:00 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 |
| 12:00 PM–12:15 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. |
| 12:15 PM–1:30 PM | Networking Lunch |
| 1:45 PM–2:30 PM |
Review of the HELP Committee agenda for the 119th Congress This session will provide an overview of the legislative priorities set by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee for the 119th Congress. Attendees will gain valuable insights into proposed legislation, upcoming hearings, and policy initiatives that could impact the public pension and related benefit programs. SPEAKER Michael Sinacore, Senate HELP Committee (Invited) |
| 2:30 PM–3:15PM | 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 |
| 3:15 PM–3:30 PM | Networking Break |
| 3:30 PM–4:15PM | 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) |
| 4:15 PM–5:00 PM | 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) |
| 5:15 PM–6:30 PM | Networking Reception |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 – POLICY DAY
*Registration for this event has closed*| 8:30 AM–9:30 AM | Policy Day Kick-Off Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Policy Day Lounge & Debriefing Room |
| 9:30 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) HOURS
By attending the Legislative Conference, you can earn up to 6 continuing education (CE) hours towards your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state mandated continuing education requirements.
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) SPONSOR
NCPERS is accredited by the State Pension Review Board as a Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of our MET program.
NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and a sponsor of continuing education across multiple states.
NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and a sponsor of continuing education across multiple states.