NEWS RELEASE

November 6, 2007
PR-07/35
For additional information:
Jason Hammersla
202-289-6700

National Coalition on Benefits launched to preserve ERISA standard for health, retirement benefit plans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — "The members of the National Coalition on Benefits (NCB), like all participants in the voluntary, employer-sponsored benefits system, have two things in common," said Council President James A. Klein today upon the formal announcement of the coalition’s launch. "We all rely on the national preemption standard established by the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and we all understand how important it is to protect that standard from being weakened or eroded."

The NCB, comprised of a diverse group of companies and employer associations, will work to increase awareness of ERISA’s critical role in providing uniform benefits to workers across state and local lines and promote legislative initiatives that preserve and protect this essential element of the law. The Council is a charter member of NCB and will serve as co-chair of the coalition’s legal and legislative subcommittee. NCB's principles and mission statement, among other materials, are available at the coalition Web site: http://www.coalitiononbenefits.org.

"The launch of this coalition comes at a key moment as the nation prepares to consider comprehensive health reform proposals." Klein said. "The united voice of employers will help to ensure that ERISA continues to play an essential role in securing health and financial security for millions of American workers and their families."

Klein and Paul Dennett, Council vice president, health policy, are available to comment further on the launch of the coalition. To arrange an interview, please contact Jason Hammersla, Council director, communications, at jhammersla@abcstaff.org or by phone at (202) 289-6700.

The American Benefits Council is the national trade association for companies concerned about federal legislation and regulations affecting all aspects of the employee benefits system. The Council’s members represent the entire spectrum of the private employee benefits community and either sponsor directly or administer retirement and health plans covering more than 100 million Americans.