Hotel Groups Applaud Advance of Fee Transparency Bill | |
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The Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association joined our national advocacy partners the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA )in applauding the recent approval of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2023 by a US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The bill must now move to the Senate floor for a vote.
If passed, the legislation will establish a comprehensive single standard for transparent and mandatory fee displays across the lodging industry—including short term rentals, online travel agencies and metasearch sites.
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AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel called it a significant win saying, “Similar to the No Hidden FEES Act that passed in the U.S. House earlier this year, this legislation represents a significant victory for our 20,000 members by helping to level the playing field between the hotel and short-term rental industries. By requiring full disclosure of all fees, guests can make more informed decisions when choosing accommodations.”
Learn more about these and other Federal issues at next week’s 2024 AAHOA Midwest Hotel Owners Trade Show, Tuesday, August 6th, at the Clarion Inn in Elmhurst, Illinois. More information on this event below.
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Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act Fails to Pass U.S. Senate | |
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The Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association today shared its disappointment that the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, H.R. 7024, which was passed by the U.S. House on a bipartisan vote in January.
The bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024) includes important provisions that could have benefited hoteliers and hotel employees in multiple ways:
- Extends 100% bonus depreciation through the end of 2025. Under current law, leasehold and other qualifying interior improvements are eligible for bonus depreciation. In 2026, bonus depreciation would fall to 20% and expire after 2026.
- Creates a retroactive, four-year extension of the taxpayer-favorable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) standard for measuring the amount of business interest deductible under section 163(j).
- Enhances the Child Tax Credit
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The bipartisan bill, which would have provided critical tax relief for hoteliers who are still struggling to deal with a nationwide workforce shortage, multiple harmful new federal regulations, and the lingering effects of inflation.
It remains essential for hoteliers to continue educating lawmakers on the need for tax relief and ask them to cosponsor permanent, pro-growth legislation including:
- The ALIGN Act (H.R. 2406/S. 1117) restores immediate tax deductibility of capital expenses, making permanent the 100% accelerated depreciation deduction.
- The AIM Act (H.R. 2788/S. 1232) brings back the full business interest expense standard, making permanent the standard EBITDA deduction which includes depreciation and amortization.
Join members of the Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association when we meet with Congressional members in Washington DC as part of the AAHOA Advocacy Conference September 18-19.
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All Iowa Lodging Properties Must Renew Human Trafficking Prevention Certification to Welcome State Employees and Host State-Funded Events | |
All Iowa lodging providers must have completed the Department of Public Safety’s Human Trafficking Prevention Training certification to receive public funds for any state-funded event. This includes state employee lodging, conferences, meetings, or banquets. | |
These certifications must be renewed every three years. Many properties completed their certification in late 2021 and must now complete the certification process again to stay in compliance. Lodging properties can update their certification with the Department of Public Safety at any time to reset the three-year certification. | |
The process remains the same for certification and the steps are described below. | | |
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Embark on beautiful Lake Okoboji on a Sip & Sail 2-hour boat cruise for a party with a purpose, set to benefit our esteemed high school youth culinary arts program (ProStart). Indulge in snacks and refreshing beverages against the stunning backdrop of the open waters while aligning your brand with a noble cause. Your support not only champions the dreams of aspiring chefs but also invests in the future of the restaurant industry, fostering talent and innovation. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s culinary leaders while enjoying a delightful evening on the waves.
August 26 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Boarding @ The Gardens
(in the lower level of The Emporium)
144 Lakeshore Dr., Arnolds Park, 51331
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Iowa Hotel & Lodging Industry Survey--
Please take 5 Minutes to Share Your Thoughts!
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The Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association is a relatively new organization dedicated to improving the business environment for the state's lodging operators. Please help us improve how we serve you by taking a moment to complete a 5 minute survey. | |
Iowa Mobile ID in Samsung Wallet Launch | |
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You can now securely store your digital driver’s license or ID to the Samsung Wallet on your Samsung Galaxy device running Android 12.0 or above.
You can use your Iowa Mobile ID in Samsung Wallet at participating TSA checkpoints including the Des Moines and Eastern Iowa airports. To use Iowa Mobile ID in Samsung Wallet, you simply tap your phone near the reader or have the reader scan the QR code.
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Mobile Driver's License in the Samsung Wallet is currently only valid at select TSA checkpoints and does not replace physical license or identification card. Locations that accept Mobile Driver’s are expected to expand over time. Visit the Samsung Wallet FAQ for more information.
The launch of Samsung Wallet provides another option to access your mobile ID, joining the lineup alongside the Iowa Mobile ID app.
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2024 AAHOA Upper Midwest Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show | |
Attend the 2024 AAHOA Hotel Owners Conference and Trade Show Series, where hospitality professionals converge for unparalleled networking, education, and business opportunities. This dynamic event series showcases the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices in hospitality. Attendees can expect insightful seminars led by industry experts, interactive workshops, and access to a diverse array of vendors showcasing cutting-edge products and services. | |
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*Asian American Hotel Owners Association is a Gold Sponsor of the IHLA* | |
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If you appreciate this information, please consider joining.
These efforts are funded by our membership. Learn more about membership here.
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