Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2021
Media Contacts:
|
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Leslie Pardo/Michael Odom
Marx Layne & Company (248)563-7213 |
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Provides Statement on HB 4434
“The MRLA applauds the Senate’s passage of HB 4434 today that we hope will move Michigan towards the economic recovery of its devastated hospitality industry.
When the pandemic wreaked havoc on Michigan’s restaurants and hotels, the MRLA responded by raising and appropriating nearly $50 million in direct aid to support the many displaced hospitality workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. There is no doubt that supplemental unemployment benefits were also needed for emergency relief at that time.
We now live in a restriction-free Michigan with an abundance of safe and effective vaccines, yet restaurateurs and hoteliers are unable to fill the innumerable openings at wages rising at twice the rate of any other industry.
Michigan’s leisure and hospitality sector is operating with nearly 100,000 fewer jobs than it did in 2019. Even at 100% occupancy, thousands of restaurants remain closed for shifts and in many cases entire days because they cannot recruit and retain sufficient staffing levels and many hotels are leaving available rooms empty for the same reason.
We implore Governor Whitmer to take the logical final step in moving Michigan beyond the COVID-19 era by making the sensible policy decision to immediately end federal supplemental unemployment benefits."
- Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO
When the pandemic wreaked havoc on Michigan’s restaurants and hotels, the MRLA responded by raising and appropriating nearly $50 million in direct aid to support the many displaced hospitality workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. There is no doubt that supplemental unemployment benefits were also needed for emergency relief at that time.
We now live in a restriction-free Michigan with an abundance of safe and effective vaccines, yet restaurateurs and hoteliers are unable to fill the innumerable openings at wages rising at twice the rate of any other industry.
Michigan’s leisure and hospitality sector is operating with nearly 100,000 fewer jobs than it did in 2019. Even at 100% occupancy, thousands of restaurants remain closed for shifts and in many cases entire days because they cannot recruit and retain sufficient staffing levels and many hotels are leaving available rooms empty for the same reason.
We implore Governor Whitmer to take the logical final step in moving Michigan beyond the COVID-19 era by making the sensible policy decision to immediately end federal supplemental unemployment benefits."
- Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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