August 4: This Week in Review

Friday, August 4, 2023

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Support Increasing Per Diem Rates

Federal elected officials can assist the continued recovery of the nation’s hotel and lodging industry by urging the General Services Administration (GSA) to make market-based rate increases to the lodging per diems of government employees. Tell your members of Congress to encourage the GSA to make it possible for us to offer competitive rates to government travelers.

Act Now!

Your Outreach is Making a Difference on Swipe Fee Legislation

Thank you to everyone who has contacted Senators Grassley and Ernst offices over the past month regarding the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). It has been confirmed that there will be a Senate vote seeking adoption of the CCCA before the end of the year.

This is a significant step, but our work is far from over. Big banks and credit card companies are fighting this legislation with everything they’ve got because it would bring an end to their duopoly and ever-increasing swipe fees.

That’s why it’s essential that we continue our outreach to both Senators. Take a moment to calculate your monthly or annual fees and help educate them on why CCCA matters to restaurant operators. Specifically ask for their support on CCCA when it comes up for a vote. August is the month our Federal elected officials are on recess, so they are visiting constituents across the state. If possible, please attend one of Senator Grassley’s or Senator Ernst’s local events.

Your ask is simple – please support the CCCA. We are partnering with the restaurant association to reach out to Congress.

Contact Iowa's Senators

Post New EEOC Posters which Include Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

The new federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (”PWFA”) is now in effect and applies to businesses with 15 or more employees. The new law requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.” The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) is now accepting charges of discrimination under this new statute. The EEOC has published a revised “Know your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster that you should download and post today.

New EEOC Poster

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Info

Upcoming Monthly Coffee Meetings

Connect with other operators each month at the IHLA’s member coffee meeting. Each month has a featured presenter as well as association updates and plenty of discussion and networking time. A virtual meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. immediately following the in person event. Questions? Contact Faith Dorn.

AUGUST 9

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Guest Speaker: Jessica Dunker, President & CEO | Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association

Hotel Julien | 200 Main St, Dubuque

AUGUST 16

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Hilton Garden Inn | 959 Middle Road, Bettendorf

Guest Speaker: Jessica Dunker, President & CEO | Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association

SEPTEMBER 13

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Best Western Premier | 2502 SE Tones Dr, Ankeny

Guest Speaker: WoodRiver Energy