Friday, March 22, 2024

This Week at the Capitol

As the Iowa legislative session enters its final weeks, last week 34 bills were sent to the Governor and are awaiting her signature.  The list of still eligible bills has significantly narrowed, as last week marked the second funnel. At this point to be “alive,” bills must have been approved by a standing committee in the non-originating chamber. Exceptions include: Ways and Means bills, Appropriations bills, and those on the unfinished business calendar. Both chambers strategically placed numerous bills on the unfinished business calendar, preserving their viability for further consideration. Many of our key issues fall into this category. 

HF 2426/SF 2203 Hotel Inspection Bill:

• Awaiting signature from the Governor

HF 544/SF 394 Sales Tax Bill:

• Tabled for this session

HF 2463 & SF 2109 (Work Drive Permit):

• Alive and placed on unfinished business

Connect with Senator Ernst on Much Needed Tax Relief 

This week Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association joined a group of more than 75 state and national hospitality groups in sending a letter to Senate leaders advocating for the prompt passage the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024).

The proposed bill includes several provisions that will benefit the hospitality and tourism industries, including:



• An extension of the 100% bonus depreciation through the end of 2025. Under current law, leasehold and other qualifying interior improvements are eligible for 60% bonus depreciation this year before bonus depreciation phases out after 2026.
• A Child Tax Credit enhancement.

• A four-year extension with retroactivity 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, any businesses still considering applying are encouraged to do so quickly.

If Senator Ernst is in your area over the next two weeks while Congress is on recess, please let her know how helpful passage of this legislation would be to your business. 

More than 75 Hospitality Groups Urge Senate Passage of Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the International Franchise Association (IFA), the National Restaurant Association, and the U.S. Travel Association joined dozens of hospitality groups in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging Senate passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024).

Join Us for Upcoming Member Coffee Meetings

April 10, 2024 | 9-10:30 AM

Highlander Hotel | 2525 Highlander Pl. | Iowa City

Guest Speaker: Amy Zeigler | Iowa Tourism Office

May 8, 2024 | 9-10:30 AM

Lashier Graphics & Signs

1601 SE Gateway Dr #130 | Grimes

Guest Speaker: Jill Darin | World Insurance

If you appreciate this information, please consider joining. 

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