Hospitality Asset Managers Association 2013

Top Issues for 2013 Immigration Reform Travel Labor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Health Care Online Hotel Booking Tax

Immigration Reform Post-Election Push for Reform –President - comprehensive legislation –Senate - “Gang of Eight” introduced plan –House – Secret working group plan Lodging Goals: –Secure borders, while still hospitable –Access to workers to meet economic growth –Undocumented workers identified – able to participate in society –Reliable worker authorization system

Travel and Tourism JOLT Act (in Senate Immigration Plan) (Jobs Originating Through Launching Travel) –Creates economic stimulus –Reforms visa process Expands Visa Waiver Program (Brazil, Poland) Aggressive targets for processing visa applicants Brand USA (TPA) Reauthorization –Funding issue per immigration legislation

Government Travel Sequester Impact? –$85 billion in U.S. economic impact –AH&LA took action against FAA furloughs –Economic impact to hotels –Loss of government business up to 30% Per Diem –AH&LA worked with GSA –Averted drastic 30% cut, secured freeze –GSA announcing advisory panel soon

Labor Relations NLRB Recess Appointments Invalidated (Noel Canning) –Five member board –D.C. Circuit ruled President violated Constitution –Questions validity of NLRB rulings –Appealed to the Supreme Court Implications for lodging: –Ambush Elections (Appeal heard April 2013) –Micro-Unions (Case is ongoing) –DOL Persuader Rule (Delayed, April 2013)

Regulations – Challenge ADA Pool Lift Regulation –Won changes to original proposals –Delayed implementation of the pool lift regulation to Jan 2013 Next Possible ADA Requirements –Accessible websites –Bed heights –Self-Service equipment AH&LA & ADA Network Webinars –Several webinars – next July 17

Promoting Investment Tax Reform –Agreement we should close “loop holes” –Republicans want to lower tax rate –Democrats want to raise revenues EB5 Visas –Allows foreign investment –Reauthorized in 112 th Congress –Some initial issues, but working well

Online Hotel Booking Tax

AH&LA blocked bill on Federal level –Created coalition with unions, mayors, cities, etc. Actively involved in State legislatures –Coordinate nationwide monitoring of OTCs –OTC preference legislation blocked in Florida –Tax equity legislation passed in NC, DC, NY –Courts have ruled against OTCs in TX, DC, GA –Favorable tax equity treatment in SC Next Steps –Focus on key states

Health Care Challenges: –Senator Max Baucus: ACA is “Huge train wreck” –Employer and individual mandates start 2014 –No clear guidance on seasonal, part-time and temp employees –States setting up exchanges in 2013 AH&LA Goals: –Repeal auto-enroll mandate –Limit effects of employer mandate and taxes –Protect competitive health options

HotelPAC: AH&LA’s Political Action Committee

Washington DC Legislative Action Summit 2013 – April 23 & 24

Contact Information Marlene Colucci Executive Vice President, Public Policy (202)