ERIC President and CEO James Gelfand Named a Top Lobbyist of 2025

Washington, D.C., October 23, 2025– Today, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) announced that its President and CEO, James Gelfand, has been named one of the Top 100 Lobbyists in the U.S. by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), an organization representing lobbying, public policy, and government affairs professionals. Gelfand and the other 2025 recipients will be honored on November 3rd during a reception in Washington, D.C.

Employers Recognize Improvements to California PBM Legislation Recently Signed Into Law – Will Monitor Regulatory Process to Ensure Proper Implementation

Washington, D.C., October 15, 2025– Dillon Clair, Director of State Advocacy for The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), issued the statement below following Governor Newsom’s signing of Senate Bill 41 to reform the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) across California. During the legislative process, ERIC worked closely with lawmakers to ensure the bill would not interfere with the design and administration of self-funded health benefit plans governed by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

PBM Reform Bill Reflects Effort to Balance State Oversight with ERISA Uniformity

Washington, D.C., September 15, 2025– The ERISA Industry Committee expressed appreciation today for efforts taken by the California State Legislature to amend SB 41 and avoid conflict with federally-governed, self-insured ERISA plans. The bill, which aims to address rising prescription drug costs by regulating the network and reimbursement practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), is now structured to uphold the uniformity and flexibility that employers have to design and administer multi-state plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). Both the Assembly and the Senate adopted the legislation unanimously after amendments were reconciled, and it has been sent to Governor Newsom (D-CA), who has until October 13 to sign the bill or issue a veto.

Employer Groups Push to Toss Case Jeopardizing Retirement Security

Washington, D.C., September 2, 2025– On Thursday, August 28, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) and coalition allies filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Maneman v. Weyerhaeuser Company, (Maneman). The amicus brief urges the court to dismiss the case.