Friday, February 2, 2024

Moving Legislation Takes More than a Meeting—Join Our Grassroots Network

More than 26 Iowa hoteliers came to the State Capitol to meet with legislative leaders in both parties to talk about the group’s number one issue—removing the double sales tax from the “inputs” required to ready a guest room (soap, toilet paper, linens, etc.) While language and a standalone bill exist, the IHLA lobbying team knows we need to seek a path to add this language to a larger tax bill. This can only happen with grassroots help. Please take a moment to contact the IHLA legislative team and let them know you’re willing to contact your local legislator. We will provide you with contacts, speaking points, and the background you need to send a message or make a call. We are building our grassroots network. Add your name today.

Join Fellow Operators This Week in Marshalltown

Kick off your Valentine’s Day with a coffee and sweet treat when you join your fellow hospitality operators in Marshalltown. We are being hosted by Leo Hospitality. We will be meeting in the community’s new Chamber of Commerce Office.

February 14, 2024 | 9 AM

Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce 

34 W Main St, Marshalltown, IA 50158

March Network Event Moves to Happy Hour 

Feedback from members who attended the IHLA’s legislative reception in January suggested we host a member happy hour event. So given Spring Break our March Member Meeting will shake it up. Join us for conversation and drinks.

March 6 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Republic on Grand 

401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Contact Senate Staff in DC for Tax Relief

In a rare act of bipartisanship this week the US House passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, with a vote of 357 to 70. This was in part spurred on by grassroots engagement that included our industry.

This legislation has key provisions that will benefit hoteliers and hotel employees: 

• An extension of the 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.
• 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).
• A provision accelerating the deadline to file claims for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) to January 31, 2024. With the potential closure of the program to new applicants, AHLA encourages any businesses still considering applying to do so quickly.
• A Child Tax Credit enhancement.

The bill has an uncertain path in the Senate, with Republicans and Democrats considering amendments that could sink the whole package. This is an occasion when contacting key Senate staff is our most effective path to influencing the legislation. Please take a moment and drop an e-mail to Iowa’s teams and let them know how these two provisions will help your business.

Aaron_gottesman@ernst.senate.gov

Alison_Whitaker@ernst.senate.tov

Jennifer_Haynes@ernst.senate.gov

Reid_willis@grassley.senate.gov

James_rice@grassley.senate.gov

This week the AHLA released its 2024 State of the Hotel Industry report. The report forecasts that the hotel industry in 2024 will pay a record amount of wages, generate a record level of tax revenue, and get even closer to pre-pandemic occupancy levels.

If you appreciate this information, please consider joining. 

These efforts are funded by our membership. Learn more about membership here.