In a recent luncheon meeting the IFA’s CEO and President Steve Caldeira announced the International Franchise Association’s policy priorities for 2013: tax reform, health care, labor relations, immigration and activism.

TAX REFORM

The franchising industry has been extremely vocal about the fiscal issues facing the U.S. as it pertains to small businesses, like franchises, that operate as pass-through entities. The rise in income tax rates for high income earners will greatly affect franchisees, especially those who own and operate multiple units. Consumers now shoulder a 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax, which has reduced take-home pay by 2 percent or more.

Caldeira was among those small business advocates and representatives present at a meeting with Gene Sperling, director of the National Economic Council, to discuss the tax concerns of small businesses.

HEALTH CARE

Many small businesses, particularly franchises, are dreading the 50 employee threshold of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that will become law in 2014. Steve Caldeira is seeking to change the mandate, as it would prove expensive for franchisees who operate establishments with 50 or more full-time employees.

LABOR RELATIONS

As a major player in the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, the IFA has helped to neutralize various election-related legislation. Now, Caldeira’s objective is to protect the franchise industry against the National Labor Relations Board. The IFA’s CEO cited micro-unions, small bargaining units carved out for workers in departments of large institutions, as a specific opponent.

IMMIGRATION

The IFA is currently advocating policies that would expedite visas for workers.