GRA Weekly

March 30, 2023

This week's newsletter is brought to you by GRA Corporate Partner NetTax

THAT'S A WRAP!

2023 Legislative Session Wrap Up

It was a very successful session for the restaurant industry at the Capitol this year. We were instrumental in successfully passing legislation that requires third party delivery apps to receive written authorization before posting a restaurant on their platform (HB 528), allowing restaurants and other commercial businesses to charge per kilowatt hour to charge electric vehicles on their property (SB 146), and strengthening the state wide preemption on local governments banning the use of natural gas (HB 374). While many Senators and Representatives contributed to the passing of these important pieces of legislation, we would like to especially thank Senators Frank Ginn, Elena Parent, Russ Goodman and Representative Houston Gaines for their help in making this years' session a success!

WIND DOWN BY THE RIVER

Wind Down by the River

Please join us on the banks of the Chattahoochee River for Wind Down by the River, a special reception in support of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Political Action Committee and the Georgia Restaurant Association Political Action Committee.

Through your attendance and support, we are able to reach candidates who will advance a pro-restaurant pro-business legislative agenda, fight onerous legislation and address the issues that are most important to YOU.

Thursday, April 27 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM

MEDICAID REDETERMINATION

Medicaid Redetermination

Some of your team members may lose Medicaid coverage over the next 12 months. Make sure they stay covered by sharing our free service with them. Your team can enroll in health insurance plans easily over the phone, and will get access to their maximum federal subsidies and most reasonably priced plans.

Email hospitalityhealth@uhg.com for more information and free promotional materials. No employer contribution; simply post our free flyers.

LET'S PLAY GOLF!

GRA 12th Annual Golf Tournament, benefiting the GRA PAC

Serving as the only Political Action Committee dedicated to serving the restaurant industry in Georgia, the GRA provides representation on a local, state, and federal level in terms of legislation and government mandates. In order to maintain Georgia's vibrant culinary scene, the GRA educates policy makers on how their decisions impact restaurants and our ability to strengthen the economy.

Tuesday, April 18 | Atlanta National Golf Club

Only 1 foursome available!

STATE OF THE PLATE

What's happening at the state capitol so far? Hear from the Director of Government Affairs, Scott Bierman to learn more. Watch now.

SIPPIN' LOCAL VOTE NOW!

Vote Now!

The top 10 vote getters in each category will be listed in the May/June issue of JAMES Magazine, and the number one company in each category will be spotlighted in a feature article.

Make sure to come back every day to vote for your favorites and share the poll with your followers, friends and family! If you don't see your favorite on the list, choose the "other" option and write it in. We will add it to the ballot.

*In partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, Hospitality Business Network Foundation, Georgia Grown, Georgia Wine Producers, Atlanta Beer Festivals and Foodie Road Trip.

Vote Now!

FEDERAL UPDATES

USCIS | E-Verify Records Disposal

On June 24, 2023, USCIS will dispose of E‑Verify records that are more than 10 years old, which are those last updated on or before Dec. 31, 2012. E‑Verify employers have until June 23, 2023, to download case information from the Historic Records Report if they want to retain information about these E-Verify cases.

Employers who have not already done so must record the E‑Verify case verification number on the corresponding Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or attach a copy of the case details page to the Form I‑9. Employers should retain the Historic Records Report with the Forms I‑9.

For more information and guidance on downloading the Historic Records Report, see the fact sheet and instructions for downloading.

COVID INCENTIVES

STATE UPDATES

Georgia Department of Revenue | Sales & Use Tax Rates Effective April 1, 2023

The Georgia Department of Revenue has posted the upcoming quarterly sales and use tax rate changes.

Counties affected include:

Calhoun, Glynn, Long, Oconee, Twiggs, Ware and Wheeler

Please visit the Department’s website to view current, historical, and upcoming sales and use tax rate charts.

2023 Regional Education Series: Fair Play on the Midway

Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation

Program will be beneficial to any individual involved in the workers’ compensation process. Highlights include recent board decisions, current events, issues in claim defenses, etc. CEUs available.

April 14, 2023 | Tifton, GA

May 5, 2023 | Alpharetta, GA

May 12, 2023 | Cartersville, GA

May 17, 2023 | Savannah, GA

For more information and to register.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

Early Bird Pricing Ending Soon for National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference

GRA members, join us on our annual trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference (June 19-21). Early bird pricing ends on Friday, 3/31 so register soon! Our Government Affairs team will be there to guide you during this fantastic conference as well as on Capitol Hill to speak to Georgia members of Congress about the many issues facing restaurants.

For more information and to register.

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION

Finalists Announced

The finalists for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award nominees were released yesterday. Congratulations to Terry Koval from the Deer and the Dove on being named a finalist for best chef southeast! Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Read the full list here.