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April 16, 2025

IFA Advocates For Tax Cuts

On April 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget resolution by a vote of 216-214, following passage by the U.S. Senate the prior week, setting the stage for Congress to work on its budget reconciliation legislation, which includes the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

Our thought bubble: Of particular importance to the franchise community, and outlined in our 2025 Roadmap for Small Business Growth, is preserving the 20 percent small business tax deduction, and restoring 100% bonus depreciation.

What’s next: IFA has begun a full court advocacy press on the need to extend the TCJA, including:

• Sending a letter to congressional tax writers
• Issuing a statement on Tax Day
• Matt Haller co-bylining an op-ed with U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Franchise Caucus and Small Business Caucus

SCOTUS Halts NLRB Member Reinstatement

On April 9, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked an attempt by the D.C. Circuit to reinstate fired National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox, meaning Wilcox is once again off the board while the case proceeds.

Dig deeper: Siding with the Trump Administration, Chief Justice John Roberts gave Wilcox until April 15 to respond to the Trump Administration’s request halting Wilcox’s return to the Board. 

Our thought bubble: Along with a legal challenge by former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter regarding their dismissal, the Wilcox matter sets the stage for the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the question it has declined to answer in recent years: whether Humphrey’s Executor, a case determining how much power the President has to remove officials from independent federal agencies, remains good law.

IFA Backs NLRB Legal Chief

IFA joined a coalition letter urging the U.S. Senate to confirm Crystal Carey as General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). 

Go deeper: Carey brings nearly a decade of experience at the NLRB and a strong understanding of federal labor law from multiple perspectives. 

Our thought bubble: Carey’s confirmation would help guide the NLRB toward a balanced, common-sense approach to labor relations.

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IFA Fights Anti-Restaurant Effort

In California, IFA is opposing the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ voluntary “Know Your Rights” Training program, directing the County Counsel and Administration to develop options for a full-day, off-site training by August 2025, a program that would be paid for by restaurant operators. 

Go deeper: Through our Protect Santa Clara County Restaurants coalition, IFA is fighting back against this unnecessary and unfair proposal that targets restaurants already struggling to survive last year’s $20/hour minimum wage hike.

What’s next: A public hearing will be held before July 30 to collect feedback from local businesses including franchisees, providing a key opportunity to voice concerns for the more than 1,600 quick service restaurants in Santa Clara county.

IFA Backs Worker Training Flexibility

IFA joined a coalition letter supporting H.R. 2262, the Flexibility for Workers Education Act, bipartisan legislation that removes regulatory barriers to voluntary employee training. 

Why it matters: The bill allows franchise businesses to offer skills development opportunities without incurring legal liability. 

Go deeper: This commonsense reform supports workforce development and helps franchise owners invest in employee growth.

IFA Opposes Vermont Noncompete Bill

In Vermont, H. 205, sponsored by Rep. Michael Marcotte (R-068), will be heard by the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on April 17.

Why it matters: IFA opposes this bill, as it would prohibit noncompete agreements for both franchisees and employees, rendering them unenforceable and requiring that affected parties be notified accordingly. The Vermont Senate is currently advancing its own noncompete legislation, which is expected to be incorporated into the House bill.

Next steps: IFA is working with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to oppose the bill and will continue to keep a watchful eye on related developments.