The Only Way Out Is Through 
A Government Affairs Update

Michigan’s hospitality industry is finding its light at the end of the tunnel.  We are creating the solutions that will forge a path for rebuilding hotels and restaurants.  The Michigan hospitality industry has continuously proven its tenacity and elasticity; its endurance and patience appreciated by its patrons.   After the longest indoor dining shutdown in the country, the doors are slowly opening to welcome back neighbors and new friends. 

In 2020, state and federal relief packages were broad-based and the industry was grateful for the assistance. To continue to open business’ doors and bring back employees the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is proposing significant relief for the industry in our targeted legislative outline:  Mission to Save Hospitality 2.0 
​
Specifically, we will work to deliver the following legislation on Governor Whitmer’s desk by early April: 

• 1-2 years of Income Tax Relief. 
• 1 Year of Corporate Income Tax Relief for larger groups (if they qualify). 
• Incentivize local governments to eliminate property tax for qualifying entities through a supplemental revenue sharing payment to those that participate. 
• Incentivize local health departments to waive foodservice license fees through a reimbursement appropriation. 

• Eliminate liquor license renewal fees. 
• Sales Tax Holiday for 6 months to encourage indoor dining. 
• Permanently eliminate sales tax for carry out orders as this is a growing sector of the industry and is not “food meant for immediate consumption.”  

 
Moving a legislative package of this magnitude in a short period of time will not be easy, but the MRLA is dedicated to do what is necessary to ensure this industry thrives.  This is not a bailout and we will not allow it to be portrayed that way. For the past year, our industry has endured multiple shutdowns and unpredictable, overbearing government regulation. The hospitality industry sacrificed its own livelihood for the presumed safety of Michiganders in 2020 and now is the time for Michigan to rise to the occasion to help build back the industry.  
​
The MRLA will create the solutions for rebuilding and restructuring.   
The only way out is through. And we will get through it together.   ​

---