Top Issues for 2013 Immigration Reform Travel Labor Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) Health Care Online Hotel Booking
Tax
Slide 3
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
Slide 4
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
Slide 5
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
Slide 6
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)
Slide 7
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
Slide 8
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 112 th
Congress Some initial issues, but working well
Slide 9
Online Hotel Booking Tax
Slide 10
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
Slide 11
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
Slide 12
HotelPAC: AH&LAs Political Action Committee
Slide 13
Washington DC Legislative Action Summit 2013 April 23 &
24
Slide 14
Contact Information Marlene Colucci Executive Vice President,
Public Policy (202) 289-3121 [email protected]