Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Convention 2010

Oregon 2010 Election Outlook Oregon Delegation Senators: Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Ron Wyden (D-OR) +14 Representatives: David Wu (D-1) +8 Greg Walden (R-2) +10 Earl Blumenauer (D-3) +19 Peter DeFazio (D-4) +2 Kurt Schrader (D-5) +1

EFCA and Labor Agenda Travel Promotion Act Online Hotel Booking Tax Americans with Disabilities Act MAJOR ISSUES

Employee ‘Forced Choice’ Act AH&LA’s efforts through Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) have made issue toxic and a political liability Little time and few vehicles left during this Congress Danger still exists during lame duck CDW Coalition will continue to monitor issue and provide updates on the regulatory side MAJOR ISSUES Card Check

MAJOR ISSUES NLRB National Labor Relations Board Wilma Liebman (D) – Current Board Chair, Term expires in 2010 Brian Hayes (R) – Only remaining Republican member, Term expires in 2012 Craig Becker (D) – Recess appointed, Term expires in 2011 Mark G. Pearce (D) – Recess appointed, Term expires in 2013 Why this matters: As card check legislation looks unlikely, NLRB is backdoor for organizing Evidence: NLRB will revisit 2007 Dana Corp. ruling Currently allows workers to vote out via secret ballot a union that was recognized through the card check process

Department of Labor – regulatory & enforcement activity DOL’s “Plan Prevent and Protect” policy Identify hazards and implement plan w/ employees Identify person responsible Provide plan to employees to help monitor OFCCP Audits of Hotel Headquarters and properties webinar OSHA Investigations Study – task force to respond H2B Investigation of Hotels and new regulations AHLA online resources at MAJOR ISSUES DOL Enforcement

Travel Promotion Act signed into law March 4, 2010 Public-private partnership to explain U.S. security policies, attract millions of international visitors through new ad programs $10 fee from incoming Visa Waiver countries and “in kind” travel industry contributions funding program Bill provides $20 million in start-up funds over 3 years. Travel Corporation Board to be announced in Early September Next steps: September 8, 2010 – DHS started collecting the ESTA fee to fund the Corporation TPA Board Announced MAJOR ISSUES Travel and Tourism

MAJOR ISSUES Online Hotel Booking Tax

“Internet Travel Tax Fairness Act” (ITTFA) Preempts state and local tax authority and limits tax to discounted rate Mandates that traditional travel agents would enjoy preferential tax treatment Specifically bans hotels from utilizing new tax category States/localities look to hotels to make up for lost revenue Makes hotels vulnerable to tax on revenue not received Places hotels at competitive disadvantage OTCs protected from full tax where hotels will continue to pay full tax Can undercut hotels in final price of room (even when room rate is equal) MAJOR ISSUES Online Hotel Booking Tax

AH&LA has led fight against ITTFA Built coalition with state and local governments, DMAI, AAHOA, NABHOOD AH&LA has hired tax counsel and is launching a PR campaign Support for OTCs from Sen. Wyden (D-OR), Reid (D-NV), Ensign (R-NV), Baucus (D-MT) Otherwise – OTCs face legislative opposition Met with OTCs to suggest non-legislative alternative, but were turned down MAJOR ISSUES Online Hotel Booking Tax

Dept. of Justice announced significant changes to ADA Reconfigurations to accessible guest room bathrooms Changes how reservations for accessible rooms are handled and guaranteed Expands accessibility to employee work areas Adds requirements for recreational and exercise facilities, play areas, pools, spas and golf facilities Service animals are clarified as dogs & miniature horses AH&LA activities include: Hired ADA Counsel, formed multiple committees, held multiple meetings with regulators, filed comments at every stage of regulatory development Webinars on new ADA regulations Crafting industry response to newly proposed rules to cover furniture, equipment and web sites MAJOR ISSUES Americans with Disabilities Act

Marlene Colucci Executive Vice President for Public Policy (202) CONTACT INFORMATION