Many of you are aware that the Georgia legislature recently passed a bill that adds a $5 per night tax to the cost of every hotel room in the state effective July 1, 2015. Embassy National Bank vigorously opposes this new tax and we have sent a letter to that effect to Governor Nathan Deal, urging his veto or his directed amendment of the legislation.

Perhaps you are a hotel owner who will be impacted. Perhaps you are a concerned resident who worries about the adverse effect of this tax on the state’s hospitality industry, especially in attracting conventions to Georgia. Or perhaps you are angry about the late night, back door political maneuvering that created this tax issue.

We urge you to share your opinions with the governor. Feel free to use this petition as a source of information.

Studies show that about 80% of all hotel room bookings in Georgia are from out-of-state residents, including many stays associated with conventions that come to Georgia. Adding extra cost for every night would discourage groups from choosing Georgia for their meetings. This would be a crippling set-back for an industry still recovering from the 2007 recession.

The same $5 tax will be charged for a $35 budget hotel room as for a $1,000 luxury suite. With a majority of hotel rooms in Georgia priced at $75 or less, an unfair proportion of the new tax will burden travelers of low or limited income.

The $5 tax was added to a compromise version of the bill at around 6 p.m. on March 31. The legislation was passed just a few hours later at 10:54 p.m. by the House and at 11:43 p.m. by the Senate. No opportunity was allowed for industry input, public testimony or committee evaluation.

Georgia's hospitality industry has an economic impact of about $55 million in sales each year. It employees 60,000 people and each of them deserve better than late-night "hurry up" political dealings. Our Board urges you to sign this petition to keep our hotels in Georgia vibrant and competitive.

Raise Your Voice & Take A Stand