A quick glance at the results of the mid-term elections might leave one feeling that the ESOP community will face challenging days ahead. Certainly the retirement and defeat of key ESOP advocates in Congress—primarily in the House, where tax laws originate—pose a challenge. But there is good news too.
The "Bad" News
First, let’s look at the more challenging news.
We will lose some crucial, long-time ESOP Advocates next year.
The ESOP Association
ESOP Association Resources
Resource, ESOP Report, Legal Update, Ownership Advantage, Washington Report, Economic Performance Survey, Valuation, Insufficient Assets, Employee Ownership Month
Nov. 01
Members of The ESOP Association and the public show even greater interest in celebrating Employee Ownership Month.
Jan. 18
A nationwide grassroots effort stops a push to limit the tax benefits of S corporations sponsoring ESOPs. Instead, Congress approves an initiative sponsored by The ESOP Association to expand the tax deduction paid on ESOP stock. Various pro-ESOP proposals become law upon enactment of the popular ERISA reform legislation. Notably, 80 percent of the members of key tax committees in the House and Senate take public positions in support of ESOPs.