CHICAGO – The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association has issued the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address:
“The hospitality and tourism industry, which has historically served as an anchor for Illinois’ economy, has been devastated by the pandemic – losing more than $111.8 billion in room revenue alone nationally. These losses have contributed to widespread layoffs, with many workers unable to return as recreational and business travel continues to be disrupted.
Despite these struggles, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal neglected to offer any relief to the industry, which prior to the pandemic brought in $4 billion a year in state and local taxes and supported more than 290,000 jobs. As the governor looks for ways to support working families, we call on him to embrace our Hotel Jobs Recovery Plan, which would allocate $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to hotels across the state.
"We urge the legislature and the Governor to support this initiative. This plan is an essential part of getting the industry, and our tourism and hospitality economy, back on stable footing and we look forward to working with the governor to make it a reality,” said Michael Jacobson, president & CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.
