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Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Convention 2010. Oregon 2010 Election Outlook. Oregon Delegation Senators: Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Ron Wyden (D-OR) +14 Representatives: David Wu (D-1) +8 Greg Walden (R-2) +10 Earl Blumenauer (D-3) +19 Peter DeFazio (D-4) +2 Kurt Schrader (D-5) +1.
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Oregon 2010 Election Outlook • Oregon Delegation • Senators: • Jeff Merkley (D-OR) • Ron Wyden (D-OR) +14 • Representatives: • David Wu (D-1) +8 • Greg Walden (R-2) +10 • Earl Blumenauer (D-3) +19 • Peter DeFazio (D-4) +2 • Kurt Schrader (D-5) +1
EFCA and Labor Agenda Travel Promotion Act Online Hotel Booking Tax Americans with Disabilities Act MAJOR ISSUES
Employee ‘Forced Choice’ Act AH&LA’s efforts through Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) have made issue toxic and a political liability Little time and few vehicles left during this Congress Danger still exists during lame duck CDW Coalition will continue to monitor issue and provide updates on the regulatory side MAJOR ISSUESCard Check
MAJOR ISSUESNLRB • National Labor Relations Board • Wilma Liebman (D) – Current Board Chair, Term expires in 2010 • Brian Hayes (R) – Only remaining Republican member, Term expires in 2012 • Craig Becker (D) – Recess appointed, Term expires in 2011 • Mark G. Pearce (D) – Recess appointed, Term expires in 2013 • Why this matters: • As card check legislation looks unlikely, NLRB is backdoor for organizing • Evidence: NLRB will revisit 2007 Dana Corp. ruling • Currently allows workers to vote out via secret ballot a union that was recognized through the card check process
Department of Labor – regulatory & enforcement activity DOL’s “Plan Prevent and Protect” policy Identify hazards and implement plan w/ employees Identify person responsible Provide plan to employees to help monitor OFCCP Audits of Hotel Headquarters and properties webinar OSHA Investigations Study – task force to respond H2B Investigation of Hotels and new regulations AHLA online resources at www.ahla.com MAJOR ISSUESDOL Enforcement
MAJOR ISSUESOnline Hotel Booking Tax • “Internet Travel Tax Fairness Act” (ITTFA) • Preempts state and local tax authority and limits tax to discounted rate • Mandates that traditional travel agents would enjoy preferential tax treatment • Specifically bans hotels from utilizing new tax category • States/localities look to hotels to make up for lost revenue • Makes hotels vulnerable to tax on revenue not received • Places hotels at competitive disadvantage • OTCs protected from full tax where hotels will continue to pay full tax • Can undercut hotels in final price of room (even when room rate is equal)
MAJOR ISSUESOnline Hotel Booking Tax • AH&LA has led fight against ITTFA • Built coalition with state and local governments, DMAI, AAHOA, NABHOOD • AH&LA has hired tax counsel and is launching a PR campaign • Support for OTCs from Sen. Wyden (D-OR), Reid (D-NV), Ensign (R-NV), Baucus (D-MT) • Otherwise – OTCs face legislative opposition • Met with OTCs to suggest non-legislative alternative, but were turned down
Dept. of Justice announced significant changes to ADA Reconfigurations to accessible guest room bathrooms Changes how reservations for accessible rooms are handled and guaranteed Expands accessibility to employee work areas Adds requirements for recreational and exercise facilities, play areas, pools, spas and golf facilities Service animals are clarified as dogs & miniature horses AH&LA activities include: Hired ADA Counsel, formed multiple committees, held multiple meetings with regulators, filed comments at every stage of regulatory development Webinars on new ADA regulations Crafting industry response to newly proposed rules to cover furniture, equipment and web sites MAJOR ISSUESAmericans with Disabilities Act
Marlene Colucci Executive Vice President for Public Policy (202) 289-3121 mcolucci@ahla.com CONTACT INFORMATION