Happy fall, everyone. The weather is changing, and the holidays are around the corner. Hopefully, everyone is doing well. Here is a little information on what is happening with the NFDA so far.

The FTC is in the process of reviewing the Funeral Rule. There are seven specific issues they are considering: Online and Electronic Price Disclosures; Disclosure of Crematory Fees and Other Costs; Reduced Basic Services Fees; New Forms of Dispositions; Embalming Disclosures; Price List Readability and the Impact on People in Underserved Communities. The NFDA is our strongest advocate during this review process. The association, on our behalf, has submitted oral and written comments to the FTC’s requests and proposals. The NFDA leaders and staff have also met FTC officials and been working with Members of Congress to ensure that the process is fair and the voice of the funeral service profession is heard. Please stay tuned.

Also, the NFDA has joined forces with eight other associations as the EPA continues its review of formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the organizations request that the EPA convene a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel to further discuss the forthcoming proposal to regulate commercial and industrial activities involving formaldehyde and formaldehyde-based products. We need to continue our support as formaldehyde is crucial in our profession to provide closure and transportation of the deceased over long periods.

Something interesting, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed changes to the white-collar exemptions to federal overtime pay requirements that could severely and negatively impact our profession and the economy generally. That is why the NFDA is working with the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity (PPWO) to urge the administration to abandon its rulemaking. I believe this is something that will have to be addressed in the future.

Something to keep in mind: the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding benefits to help pay for veterans’ end-of-life expenses, the department announced recently. The expanded benefits include reimbursements for transporting remains to state and tribal veterans’ cemeteries, in addition to previously eligible national cemeteries, allowances for VA plots or interments for tribal organizations and higher payments for non-service-connected burial benefits.

The NFDA convention in Las Vegas proved to be an informative and enlightening experience for all who were able to attend. NFDA offered more than 30 education sessions that offered information we need in our businesses right now and knowledge that will help us be better prepared to address the future needs of grieving families. The education sessions explored emerging issues like new methods of disposition, like alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction; how to use technology, like AI, to better serve families; compassion fatigue and emotional wellbeing and digital marketing. However, NFDA also devoted time to traditional topics like embalming and restorative art, grief and cremation. The convention was a very interesting experience as well as the first time I have been to Las Vegas.

I hope this helps in recapping what MFDA and the NFDA are working on, on our behalf. I enjoy representing Montana with the NFDA, and I am always open to any suggestions or ideas to bring to the organizations. Stay well, and as always, God Bless. Thank you.