WASHINGTON (July 27, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers is speaking out today in support of the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).
“As of May, America had 9.8 million job openings, but only 6.1 million unemployed people to fill them. This workforce gap negatively impacts critical sectors of the American economy, especially hospitality. Thankfully, Congress is taking initiative to address workforce shortages through the bipartisan H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “The HIRE Act would make it easier for qualified workers to secure jobs in fields that are struggling to recruit and retain enough employees to meet demand. By growing the pool of seasonal workers, the bill would give seasonal small business hotels critical staffing relief and facilitate the hotel industry’s continued recovery. We look forward to working with members of Congress to send the HIRE Act to the president’s desk.”
Background Info
- There are nearly 95,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation, according to Indeed.
- As of May, the United States had 9.8 million job openings, but only 6.1 million unemployed people to fill them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.