Continental Breakfast

Brett Lininger, Esq., Kress Hammen

The Economic Crossroads Facing Maryland
Maryland stands at a pivotal economic crossroads. With mounting fiscal strain and limited resources to support new laws and initiatives, state leaders face difficult choices that will directly impact taxpayers, employers, and families.In this first segment, a “State of the State” briefing, attendees will gain a clear-eyed assessment of Maryland’s budget realities, the feasibility of proposed legislation, and the downstream implications for financial planning. From potential tax changes and funding shortfalls to long-term economic competitiveness, this session will unpack what advisors need to understand now — and how to translate these developments into meaningful conversations with clients.This is more than a legislative update. It is an economic reality check.

Craig Ritter, CPCU, Ritter Insurance Marketing, NAIFA-PA member, Medicare Collective

Medicare in the Crosshairs: National Pressures, Local Impact
Just three days before joining us at this event, Craig Ritter will return from Medicarians 2026 — the country’s premier gathering of Medicare leaders, policymakers, carriers, and compliance experts. He’ll bring the latest updates and insider intelligence directly from this nationally recognized conference to our Maryland audience.
Medicare is under mounting financial and legislative pressure, with ripple effects for carriers, regulators, employers, and the clients you serve. From funding sustainability to regulatory shifts and market stability, the landscape is changing quickly.
In this fast-paced briefing, Craig will translate national developments into practical insight for advisors — highlighting what’s changing, what’s coming next, and how to prepare for the impact.
This isn’t yesterday’s update. It’s what’s happening now — and what it means for your business and your clients.

Diane Boyle, SVP GovRel for NAIFA National

Update on Federal DOL Independent Contractor Ruling
The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a new worker classification rule that uses an economic reality test. It is similar to the 2021 rule that the Biden Administration sought to change. It would apply to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
The new proposed rule builds heavily on the 2021 standard. It starts with a look at two main factors:
•Control of the work: Who controls the work, and to what extent, is at the heart of this factor. If workers set their own schedules, choose their own projects, and work for multiple clients, they are more likely to be independent contractors. By contrast, if they cannot control their own schedule or workload, or must work exclusively for a single client, they are more likely to be employees.
•Entrepreneurial opportunity: This factor focuses on whether the worker can impact their own profits or losses. If they make entrepreneurial decisions, and investments that can increase their profits (or result in loss), they are more likely to be independent contractors. But if they can influence their earnings only by working faster or working more hours, they are more likely to be employees.