McSally introduces bill to give American’s vacation dollars
Arizona Sen. Martha McSally (R) wants to revive the tourism industry that’s been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. McSally introduced the American TRIP Act on Monday which would give Americans a financial incentive to go on vacation.
“The tourism and hospitality industries were among the hardest-hit sectors across the country and their revival is critical to our economic recovery. Arizona has lost billions in revenue this year alone due to the pandemic,” said McSally. “My legislation will help boost domestic travel and jumpstart the comeback of our hotels, entertainment sectors, local tourism agencies, and the thousands of businesses that make Arizona one of the best places in the world to visit.”
The America TRIP Act would give each American a $4,000 tax credit to take a trip. The credit would be retroactive to December 2019 and would increase to $8,000 for joint tax filers. Additionally, there would be $500 for dependent children.
The tax credits are only good within the United States and would apply to trips at least 50 miles away from a resident’s hometown.
“It will also encourage Americans to safely get out of their homes and discover or rediscover Arizona along with the rest of the amazing destinations our country has to offer after a difficult several months stuck inside. I look forward to working with both sides of the aisle in the Senate and House to restart an important part of the economy by passing this bill,” McSally said.
McSally’s bill also provides $50 million to help destination marketing organizations promote travel and tourism across the country.
The U.S. Travel Association is fully supportive of McSally’s bill and has been lobbying for vacation tax credits on Capitol Hill recently.
Former presidential candidate, Andrew Yang (D), seemed to support the idea behind McSally’s bill.
“I like it if it’s a staycation. Or visiting family in the next state over. Money in people’s hands is a good thing,” Yang tweeted.
The bill’s announcement comes a day before President Donald Trump is set to visit Arizona to celebrate more construction of the border wall. McSally, who is facing a tough reelection against former astronaut Mark Kelly (D), will join Trump on the trip.
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