Rael & Letson Acquires Strategic Marketing Communications Agency Aukema & Associates

Rael & Letson is pleased to announce that we have acquired Aukema & Associates, a full-service strategic marketing communications agency based in Seattle, WA.

Aukema & Associates will operate as a division of Rael & Letson and continue to provide strategic communications to Taft-Hartley trusts, helping them increase engagement and participation and improve member experience. The division will also continue to serve businesses and non-profits of all sizes with communications strategy and planning, brand development, web design, digital marketing and integrated marketing communications.

Learn more…

IFEBP Annual Conference

It was great to attend the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) 69th Annual Employee Benefits Conference! We went to some interesting sessions, connected with many clients and vendors, and enjoyed exploring the city of Boston. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth, we appreciated getting to spend time with so many of you!

If you didn’t have a chance to chat with us, please reach out. We look forward to seeing you all again next year in San Diego!

Secure 2.0

SUMMARY OF SECURE 2.0 ACT FOR MULTIEMPLOYER DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

On December 29, 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The new law includes significant changes to retirement rules that primarily focus on expansion of retirement savings opportunities and access in Defined Contribution Plans (“DC Plans”). Continue reading “Secure 2.0”

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”). The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to speed up the nation’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it mostly targets pandemic relief, ARPA also contains pension plan relief for both multiemployer and single employer plans. Rael & Letson has prepared a summary that addresses the ARPA provisions affecting multiemployer pension plans.
Click here for a high-level summary of key Multiemployer Pension provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (PDF)

Summary of Special Financial Assistance Guidelines – Interim Final Rule

On July 9, 2021, the PBGC and IRS issued interim final rules addressing the Special Financial Assistance (“SFA”) provisions from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) of 2021. Government funding of the SFA is anticipated to provide an estimated $74 to $91 billion in assistance to more than 100 eligible plans covering more than 3 million participants and address the solvency of the PBGC’s Multiemployer Insurance Program.

Click Here for a summary of the Special Financial Assistance Guidelines – Interim Final Rule (PDF)

Summary of Special Financial Assistance Guidelines – Key Changes From Interim Final Rule

On July 8, 2022, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (“PBGC”) issued its Final Rule relating to the Special Financial Assistance Program for Financially Troubled Multiemployer Plans; a program that was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARP”).  In doing so, the PBGC adopted the provisions of the Interim Final Rule published on July 9, 2021, with some additional modifications that respond to the comments received after the Interim Final Rule was published.

Click Here for a summary of the Key Changes to the Interim Final Rule (PDF)

Rael & Letson’s Corp Headquarters Change of Address

 

We’ve Moved!

Rael & Letson is pleased to announce the relocation of our Northern California Corporate Headquarters. Our San Mateo Corporate Headquarters is moving effective November 1, 2022.

We are committed to having no disruptions to our work due to this move. Please be sure to update your contact records with our new address below. Note that our email addresses, secure mail delivery, telephone and fax numbers remain unchanged.

Rael & Letson Corporate Headquarters
160 Bovet Road, Suite 203
San Mateo, California 94402-3123
Phone: 650-341-3311
Fax: 206-445-1840
www.rael-letson.com
Map

Please note that all payments should continue to be sent to:
Rael & Letson
Dept LA 24736
Pasadena, California 91185

We are grateful for our relationships with our clients and business associates. The Rael & Letson team looks forward to continuing to serve you.

Thank you from your Rael & Letson Consulting and Actuarial Teams!

Rael & Letson | 160 Bovet Road, Ste 203, San Mateo, CA 94402

Rael & Letson’s Southern California Office Has Relocated

We’ve Moved!

Rael & Letson is pleased to announce the relocation of our Pasadena office to San Diego effective November 1, 2022!

We are committed to having no disruptions to our work due to this move. Please be sure to update your contact records with our new address below. Note that our email addresses, secure mail delivery and fax numbers remain unchanged.

Rael & Letson
16855 W Bernardo Drive, Suite 340
San Diego, CA 92127
Phone:  619-833-7828
Fax:  206-445-1840
www.rael-letson.com
map

Please note that all payments should continue to be sent to:

Rael & Letson
Dept LA 24736
Pasadena, CA 91185

We are grateful for our relationships with our clients and business associates. The Rael & Letson team looks forward to continuing to serve you.

Thank you from your Rael & Letson Consulting and Actuarial Teams!