August 11: This Week in Review

Friday, August 11, 2023

Action Alert:

Urge GSA to Increase the Federal Lodging Per Diem Rates

We are SO CLOSE to our goal of 5,000 letters to Congress asking them to weigh in on per diem rates with the GSA – can you help put us over the top?

Tell your members of Congress to urge General Services Administration (GSA) to increase the federal lodging per diem rates to ensure that hotels across the country can offer competitive rates to government travelers.

IMPACT:

Market rate-based increases to the lodging per diem rates are critical to ensuring that hotels can offer lodging for government travelers.

Act Now!

There is Still Time to Make a Difference on Swipe Fee Legislation

Thank you to everyone who has contacted Senators Grassley and Ernst offices over the past month regarding the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). It has been confirmed that there will be a Senate vote seeking adoption of the CCCA before the end of the year.

This is a significant step, but our work is far from over. Big banks and credit card companies are fighting this legislation with everything they’ve got because it would bring an end to their duopoly and ever-increasing swipe fees.

That’s why it’s essential that we continue our outreach to both Senators. Take a moment to calculate your monthly or annual fees and help educate them on why CCCA matters to restaurant operators. Specifically ask for their support on CCCA when it comes up for a vote. August is the month our Federal elected officials are on recess, so they are visiting constituents across the state. If possible, please attend one of Senator Grassley’s or Senator Ernst’s local events.

Your ask is simple – please support the CCCA. We are partnering with the restaurant association to reach out to Congress.

Contact Iowa's Senators

Upcoming Monthly Coffee Meetings

Connect with other operators each month at the IHLA’s member coffee meeting. Each month has a featured presenter as well as association updates and plenty of discussion and networking time. A virtual meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. immediately following the in person event. Questions? Contact Faith Dorn.

AUGUST 16

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Hilton Garden Inn | 959 Middle Road, Bettendorf

Guest Speaker: Jessica Dunker, President & CEO | Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association

SEPTEMBER 13

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Best Western Premier | 2502 SE Tones Dr, Ankeny

Guest Speaker: WoodRiver Energy

OCTOBER 11

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Guest Speaker: Kathy Anderson, Division Administrator | Iowa Workforce Development

Location:TBD