The Slice gives you all the news you can use. Each issue will include any COVID-19 updates, reopening information, legislative news, and other relevant items for our readers. Please let us know if you'd like to see anything in particular or have other feedback - just email marketing@vrlta.org.

You can view an amended copy of Executive Order 72 here. Watch the full press conference here.

It appears that the next round of COVID relief will pass through Congress by mid-March. Part of the package includes the RESTAURANTS Act. See here for details on this legislation, put together by the NRA.

Some highlights:

It is still unclear whether the Senate will include the Raise the Wage Act in the COVID Relief Package, although it is currently included in the House version. VRLTA opposes Raise the Wage. Want to weigh in on Raise the Wage with your legislators? Do so here.

Thanks to AHLA’s ongoing efforts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Categories of Essential Workers to prioritize “Traveler Accommodation” under Phase 1c of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. This is a significant achievement that directly impacts the health and safety of hotel workers across the country. 

This week in partnership with UNITE HERE, AHLA renewed its call sending a letter to the National Governors Association advocating for inclusion of hotel workers in state vaccine distribution efforts further supporting the work of state lodging association partners to engage with state decision makers.

From housing healthcare workers and first responders to now supporting the ongoing vaccine distribution, the lodging industry is playing a vital role in supporting communities as we battle this public health crisis. While hotels have protocols in place to ensure the safety of employees and guests with the Safe Stay initiative, prioritizing vaccinations for employees is something AHLA has long advocated for and provides another layer of protection.

Time is Running Out! VRLTA & DoorDash Restaurant Grant Program Applications Due by March 1 at 5 p.m.

We've had a lot of interest in the $450,000 grant program we recently kicked off with DoorDash. If you're a Virginia restaurant, please take a few minutes to apply for a chance at one of the $3,500 grants. Judges from the restaurant and tourism industries will ensure grants are distributed across Virginia and prioritize businesses which have not benefited from other financial assistance. In addition, a minimum of 20% of the grants will be earmarked to minority-owned and/or women-owned businesses. See all of the details and eligibility here.

Destination Capitol Hill (DCH) is the U.S. Travel industry's premier legislative fly-in. The event brings travel leaders from across the country together to educate policymakers about the power of travel. The program combines a legislative day on Capitol Hill with advocacy training, guest speakers and peer-to-peer networking. DCH provides delegates with an opportunity to learn about upcoming legislation that impacts travel, network with peers and meet with members of Congress to stress the importance of travel as an economic driver. Learn more here.

Mark Your Calendar!

Each Friday at 2 p.m., VRLTA will be hosting our weekly Government Affairs calls. Join us to hear more about VRLTA's legislative priorities, what's happening during the session, and how the Association is supporting or opposing hospitality- and tourism-related legislation.

VRLTA and the NRA currently have a number of measures on which we are asking you to contact your legislators in Virginia or in Congress. Get more details about each here.

Congress is considering raising the minimum wage and eliminating the tipped wage. Say NO to the Raise the Wage Act here.

Virginia legislators still haven't built in enough tax deductibility for PPP recipients to avoid being taxed on what they received. Last week, VRLTA sent a letter to leadership on this issue. See related articles here and here.

An important part of VRLTA's is to support hospitality education programs across the Commonwealth. The two-year ProStart program is designed to get more high school-aged young people interested in careers in the hospitality industry, and hospitality programs at the collegiate level. ProStart is currently in 63 Virginia high schools and technical centers. Although ProStart has looked different this past year, there are still ways to get involved.

Learn more about VRLTA's Education Foundation and the ProStart Program.

Interested in helping? Reach out to Jim Wilson.

Have you posted a job on VRLTA's job board, focused specifically on our industry? Employers can list hospitality and tourism jobs, and VRLTA members get unlimited listings for free (choose 30, 60 or 90 days - up to $100 value for each listing!). A 30-day listing for nonmembers is just $50. Job seekers can search jobs statewide and post their resume in the resume bank.

Let VRLTA help your business during this challenging time with a job board focused just on hospitality and tourism jobs. Take advantage of your membership and get free listings through the end of the year. There's no cost or risk to members - why not give it a try? Want to list a position? It's SO easy...click here to learn more.

Our preferred partners have over 30 ServSafe classes available in the next few months. See all the options here.

The Virginia Department of Health launched a centralized pre-registration site for vaccines, at vaccinate.virginia.gov. VRLTA is encouraging ALL INDIVIDUALS to sign up now to get updates and help VDH plan for vaccination efforts. If you have already registered with your local health department or previously with VDH, your registration should have transferred over. Once you are pre-registered, you'll receive updates on vaccine availability and timing. Find the VDH's general information page here.

All of Virginia is currently in Phase 1b. You can find out which phase you're eligible for here.

We are starting a new effort to recognize VRLTA members on social media. Want to have a chance to be featured? Fill out this quick form for us. Thanks!