The document provides an overview of the current political landscape in Washington and major human resources policy issues. It discusses the results of the 2014 midterm elections, ongoing partisanship and dysfunction in Congress, and key issues around appropriations, the Affordable Care Act, immigration reform, and overtime regulations. It concludes with an outlook on the 2016 elections.

1. Washington Update
Georgia CUPA-HR
HR Leadership Symposium 2015
Steven M. Bloom
June 26, 2015

2. Overview
• Political Landscape
• Major Human Resources Related Policy
Issues
2

3. Political Landscape - I
• 2014 Election Results
• Dysfunction
• Partisanship
3

4. Source: National Journal Vote Ratings, Can This Congress Be Saved?, February 2013 – rating the most liberal
Republicans and the most conservative Democrats

5. Political Landscape – II
• Congress – New Majority, New Fissures
• Timetable and Issues:
– Appropriations
– Other Looming Challenges
– Tax Reform and ACA
5

6. Major Policy Issues – Overview
• Health Care Reform (ACA)
– King v. Burwell
– Employer Mandate, Adjuncts, Student Workers
– Student Health Insurance
– Cadillac Tax
6

7. Major Policy Issues – Overview
• Immigration Reform
– Executive Order
– Legislative Efforts
• Executive Actions
– Update of Overtime Regulations
– Flawless HR Compliance (“Blacklisting EO”)
7

8. Outlook
• 2016 Elections
• Totally Open Field
• Senate – Another Flip?
• Handicapping the Election
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