SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association has released the following statement after the General Assembly approved the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget, in which hotels are set to receive $75 million in aid to assist with pandemic recovery efforts:
“As a vital component of Illinois’ economy, the pandemic decimated our state’s hotel industry, with record low occupancy rates and sustained losses due to the massive decline in conventions and tourism. This $75 million in aid is an important lifeline for our industry, allowing hotels to rehire workers and fully re-open their doors as travel begins to rebound,” said Michael Jacobson, president & CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “We appreciate the support of the legislative leaders and the members who championed our cause, especially House Majority Leader Greg Harris, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Rep. Kam Buckner, Rep. Terra Costa Howard, and Rep. Lamont Robinson as well as Sen. Elgie Sims, Sen. Bill Cunningham, and Sen. Sara Feigenholtz. As the industry rebuilds, we look forward to welcoming travelers back to Illinois and helping to lead the economic recovery of our state and local communities.”
About the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) serves as the essential resource and unified voice for advancing the lodging industry across Illinois. Consisting of more than 500 hotels and their employees throughout the state, IHLA advocates the industry’s position on political, legislative, and regulatory issues that have the potential to impact the success of Illinois hotels. For more information, visit http://www.illinoishotels.org/.