Illinois hotel industry asking for pandemic relief

Posted on March 8, 2022

By Dave Dahl

State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (FYE-gun-holtz) (D-Chicago) chairs the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

SPRINGFIELD – Now it’s the hotel industry’s turn to ask for pandemic relief. 

This proposal would have the state authorize $250 million in American Rescue Plan among the state’s hotels at a rate of $1500 per room.

“The state is reliant on this industry,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “It’s one of the largest contributors to our local economy. It brings in $4 billion a year in state of local taxes, and it supports more than 290,000 jobs.

“That’s a lot of work for a lot of people across this state from stern to stem.”

Nationally, hotels have seen more than $100 billion in lost room revenue, said Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association. He added that despite the Hilton or Marriott signs out front, you’re most likely patronizing a local small businessperson.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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