Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association pushing pair of bills at Capitol

Posted on March 8, 2023
Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association president and CEO Michael Jacobson (at mic). (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The right to kick out problem guests – when they verbally abuse staff – is one Illinois hotels do not legally enjoy. Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, wants to change that.

“These are the dedicated employees who make you feel at home when you are away from home,” Jacobson said, “and they deserve to feel safe and supported when they come to work.

“The second bill we are seeking is legislation which would level the playing field with short-term rental companies by requiring rental properties to collect hotel taxes and in turn generate additional revenue for the state.”

The state’s hotel tax is six percent. Jacobson says the short-termers pay local taxes in many jurisdictions already.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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