Bloomberg Government’s Power Play newsletter reported first on the coalition’s new advisory board: former Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will chair it, joined by former Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and Lisa M. Gomez, who served as assistant secretary of Labor for employee benefits security during the Biden administration.
Portman told Power Play that he plans to advise the coalition rather than lobby for it, and said he had seen employee-owned companies in Ohio thrive. Expanding ESOPs founder Pete Stavros said the coalition is seeking legislation to make ESOPs a more popular option, including through tax incentives.
This is a good thing, and it’s bipartisan. We can work together to make a difference in the lives of working people.
— Rob Portman, speaking to Bloomberg Government’s Power Play, October 7, 2026