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Hospitality Asset Managers Association 2013. Top Issues for 2013. Immigration Reform Travel Labor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA ) Health Care Online Hotel Booking Tax. Immigration Reform. Post-Election Push for Reform President - comprehensive legislation
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Top Issues for 2013 • Immigration Reform • Travel • Labor • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Health Care • Online Hotel Booking Tax
Immigration Reform • Post-Election Push for Reform • President - comprehensive legislation • Senate - “Gang of Eight” introduced plan • House – Secret working group plan • Lodging Goals: • Secure borders, while still hospitable • Access to workers to meet economic growth • Undocumented workers identified – able to participate in society • Reliable worker authorization system
Travel and Tourism • JOLT Act (in Senate Immigration Plan)(Jobs Originating Through Launching Travel) • Creates economic stimulus • Reforms visa process • Expands Visa Waiver Program (Brazil, Poland) • Aggressive targets for processing visa applicants • Brand USA (TPA) Reauthorization • Funding issue per immigration legislation
Government Travel • Sequester Impact? • $85 billion in U.S. economic impact • AH&LA took action against FAA furloughs • Economic impact to hotels • Loss of government business up to 30% • Per Diem • AH&LA worked with GSA • Averted drastic 30% cut, secured freeze • GSA announcing advisory panel soon
Labor Relations • NLRB Recess Appointments Invalidated (Noel Canning) • Five member board • D.C. Circuit ruled President violated Constitution • Questions validity of NLRB rulings • Appealed to the Supreme Court • Implications for lodging: • Ambush Elections (Appeal heard April 2013) • Micro-Unions (Case is ongoing) • DOL Persuader Rule (Delayed, April 2013)
Regulations – Challenge • ADA Pool Lift Regulation • Won changes to original proposals • Delayed implementation of the pool lift regulation to Jan 2013 • Next Possible ADA Requirements • Accessible websites • Bed heights • Self-Service equipment • AH&LA & ADA Network Webinars • Several webinars – next July 17
Promoting Investment • Tax Reform • Agreement we should close “loop holes” • Republicans want to lower tax rate • Democrats want to raise revenues • EB5 Visas • Allows foreign investment • Reauthorized in 112th Congress • Some initial issues, but working well
Online Hotel Booking Tax • AH&LA blocked bill on Federal level • Created coalition with unions, mayors, cities, etc. • Actively involved in State legislatures • Coordinate nationwide monitoring of OTCs • OTC preference legislation blocked in Florida • Tax equity legislation passed in NC, DC, NY • Courts have ruled against OTCs in TX, DC, GA • Favorable tax equity treatment in SC • Next Steps • Focus on key states
Health Care • 2013-2014 Challenges: • Senator Max Baucus: ACA is “Huge train wreck” • Employer and individual mandates start 2014 • No clear guidance on seasonal, part-time and temp employees • States setting up exchanges in 2013 • AH&LA Goals: • Repeal auto-enroll mandate • Limit effects of employer mandate and taxes • Protect competitive health options
Contact Information Marlene Colucci Executive Vice President, Public Policy (202) 289-3121 mcolucci@ahla.com