The 117th Congress and state legislatures throughout the country are convening for legislative sessions in 2022. Hoteliers continue to face an array of challenges even as the economy rebounds. From the Capitol to capitals coast to coast, learn more about how AAHOA is engaging with elected officials to elevate the business interests of America’s hoteliers. Get involved and make advocacy an integral part of your business plan.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS TRAINING AND PREVENTION
Although every January represents National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month, AAHOA’s commitment to ending human trafficking is an ongoing mission throughout the year. AAHOA maintains a relationship with the Department of Homeland Security, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking, state partner associations, and many more organizations in the fight against human trafficking.
RETURNING AND RETAINING THE HOSPITALITY WORKFORCE
AAHOA Members across the country have experienced months-long labor shortages since the onset of the pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the leisure and hospitality sectors is down by 1.2 million since February of 2020, a 7.2% decrease that is among the highest of any labor market.
INCREASING THE CAP OF THE H-2B VISA PROGRAM
The H-2B Returning Worker Exception Act of 2021 (H.R. 3897), introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Henry Cueller (D-TX), modifies the H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) nonimmigrant visa program, including by exempting certain workers from an annual numerical limit on such visas. AAHOA fully supports this legislation and is engaging with Congress to promote its passage.
THE SAVE HOTEL JOBS ACT (H.R. 3093)
The Save Hotel Jobs Act provides hotel owners with an option to apply for grants they can use for payroll expenses. AAHOA continues to advocate for this legislation.
PRESERVING INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGES
Like-kind exchanges are an important source of capital for entrepreneurs, especially hoteliers, as they encourage hoteliers and prospective property owners to purchase new parcels of land, build new hotels, or renovate existing properties. LKE transactions promote savings and investment, allowing capital to flow freely and efficiently, thereby encouraging commerce, ultimately stimulating our nation’s economic growth and job creation.
SECURING PER DIEM FISCAL YEAR 2023
Every year, the GSA sets the per diem rates, an allowance for federal employees to cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred while on official travel. The per diem rates for the fiscal year are based on the average daily rate reported by local contractors within a county, ZIP code or locality. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lodging industry, leading to record-low ADRs in markets across the country. Official government travel is a vital source of traffic for many hotels, and AAHOA will continue to advocate for competitive rates set independently of distressed ADRs.
