Luci Botzek, JD/Capitol Connections
Public Policy Consultant/MN Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
On the agenda….short term rentals, J1 Visa, Real ID and more
(Note that this article is written a week before publication, so some information may be out of date by the time you see it. Further updates will be provided.)
Even though the Legislature is not in session, there is still activity at the Capitol. There have been a series of hearings in recent days – many closely tied to fundraisers for those legislators attending the hearings.
One of those hearings involved the Department of Public Safety explaining why there are still so many challenges to their new License and Vehicle Registration System. Some concern is focused on how they successfully implement Real ID with these current challenges.
The Governor and Legislative leadership have begun their process of mediation, seeking a resolution to the budget impasse. Perhaps by the time you read this column there will be a resolution. Actually, it was just announced on Friday afternoon that the parties are at an impasse. Back to the Supreme Court for this matter next week. The parties have agreed to not talk publicly while the process Is ongoing – that can only be helpful. One of the interesting sidelights of the impasse, has been the sharing of information of the legislative budgets that is usually not in the public arena – you may have seen reports of expense reimbursements and some questioning of the appropriateness of a few items.
The major issue facing Minnesota and other states right now is the cost of health care. Currently the health insurance market of Minnesota’s working poor is in a state of flux – the state is facing a potential $370 cut from the federal government. This issue has created a rare bipartisan coalition– Republican and Democrat, Governor and Legislative leaders to reach out to the federal government and seek relief four our state.
The Public Policy Committee just concluded its monthly meeting. We will be discussing the situation with short term rental properties in Minnesota and the possibility of legislative action state-wide in the 2018 session. Please share your concerns with your local legislators.
There will be time at the Annual Meeting for a conversation about legislative issues of importance to you.
The committee also spent some time on the J-1 Visa Issue. As most of you probably know, there is currently scrutiny of this program at the federal level. The Public Policy Committee discussed this topic and encourages members to offer their support for this issue that does impact the hospitality industry, as well as having an educational and cultural impact on some communities. The MACVB Board will also consider taking a position as an association shortly.
(Some additional information from Tracy Shimek) If you’re looking for specific examples of the benefits of having J-1 visitors in Minnesota, MAST International is a really good example of the value of J-1 visas to both the metro area and rural areas. The students in the program engage in training and internship programs that allow them to study agriculture in the U.S. and bring the skills they learn back to their home countries to improve their own agricultural practices (while doing hands on work in the U.S., typically on farms in the Midwest). They also have the option of spending a semester at the U of MN taking courses (and spend time exploring the Twin Cities while they are here: Twins games, Vikings games, riverboat cruises, museums etc.). From a jobs perspective, they do have staff at the U that handle the administration of the program.
Please also take a look at the website for Americans for Cultural Exchange. There is an opportunity for DMOs and Chambers to sign on in support of the Summer Work Travel Program. There is no cost and the process is very easy.
Don’t forget the Events Funding Program. The first round was very successful and you are all an important component to making sure those funds are spent across the state.
Finally, The MN Hospitality Conference and EXPO is soon to be here. Hope to see you there.
As I write this, there is a heat advisory so Happy Fall !!
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