|
|
Connecticut Lodging Association
Coronavirus Update 3/23/2021
|
|
DCF Human Trafficking Prevention Course for Lodging |
|
Join us Wednesday, April 14th for CLA's virtual training course on Human Trafficking Prevention from the CT Department of Children and Families. This course is open to all and any lodging employees. Please register each employee who will attend the course separately.
Please send any questions in advance to info@ctlodging.org, with subject line 4/14 HTP Question. Please submit any advance questions by noon, 1/12/21.
When: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
|
|
SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications - April 8 |
|
“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “The SBA knows these venues are critical to America's economy and understands how hard they've been impacted, as they were among the first to shutter. This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”
Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Those interested in participating can register here.
The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.
To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.
|
|
AHLA Applauds Per Diem Bill Introduction |
|
|
AHLA has been working closely for many months with key Members of Congress to ensure future per diem rates established by the government reflect the current crisis faced by our industry.
Marking an important advancement toward this effort, earlier today Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL) and Charlie Crist (D-FL) introduced the Restored, Equitable, Coronavirus Adjusted Lodging (RECAL) Act. This legislation helps the hotel and tourism industry by requiring the General Services Administration to take into consideration the economic impact of the coronavirus when setting future per diem rates for federal travel. Specifically it would set a floor for FY22 and FY23 federal per diem rates at those established by GSA for FY20.
Government travel is incredibly important to the hotel industry, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and billions in travel spending that benefits communities across the country. Government per diem rates are also often used as a guide by other businesses and organizations in setting their own travel standards. It is critical that GSA established reasonable rates for FY22 and FY23 that adjust for the devastating impact of the pandemic, especially at a time when our industry is fighting for survival.
We applaud Reps. Posey and Crist for moving this bill forward and will continue to urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation.
|
|
|
Paolino Public Affairs Consulting, Inc. Legislative Report - 3/19/21 |
|
The Connecticut House of Representatives met on Tuesday for the third session of the year. A majority of the bills that were heard were regarding judicial nominations. The Senate meets next Tuesday to take up the bills that the House passed. The committee process is starting to come to an end, with many committees JF deadlines next week, and some already having passed. The next time the legislature is going to meet is April 6th, but it is possible that they will meet once before this date. As soon as we find out, we will let you know. If you have any questions about the bills we are tracking for your organization, or any questions in general: let us know!
The Lamont Administration today significantly eased COVID-19 restrictions. Starting today, restaurants, places of worship, recreation areas, stores, offices, and libraries are able to operate at full capacity. Movie theaters and other performing arts venues remain limited to 50% capacity. Bars that do not serve food remain closed. There is still going to be an 11PM curfew in effect. Governor Ned Lamont urged residents and businesses to continue to practice social distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks. The Lamont Administration also mentioned that employers should continue to encourage employees to stay home when sick and encourage working from home when possible. Businesses have the right to refuse service from customers not wearing masks. Here is a link to the full details of the new protocol: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Sector-Rules-for-Reopen
|
|
STR: U.S. hotel results for week ending 13 March |
|
HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee—U.S. weekly hotel occupancy reached its highest level in a year, according to STR‘s latest data through 13 March.
7-13 March 2021 (percentage change from comparable week in 2020):
- Occupancy: 52.1% (-1.4%)
- Average daily rate (ADR): US$102.62 (-14.5%)
- Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$53.45 (-15.8%)
Year-over-year percentage changes are now more favorable as comparisons have shifted to pandemic-affected weeks from 2020. When indexed against 2019 levels, the U.S. has recaptured between 70-75% of occupancy in recent weeks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
