National issues, practical guidance

Use this page for national policy updates, operator guidance, trusted research, and tools from leading hospitality organizations. For Arkansas legislation and state advocacy, visit our Arkansas Advocacy page.

Return to Resource CenterArkansas Advocacy

How AHA advances hospitality priorities

Effective advocacy starts with credible information and engaged members.

Member experience

Operators help identify how proposed laws, regulations, insurance conditions, taxes, and local policies affect real businesses.

Research and data

AHA uses industry performance indicators and public records to define problems, test assumptions, and strengthen the case for action.

Coalition building

Partners across lodging, restaurants, tourism, communities, and allied industries help develop workable policy and broader support.

Policy engagement

AHA communicates with elected officials, agencies, and stakeholders and helps members participate at the moments their voices matter most.

NATIONAL ISSUES & POLICY TOOLS

National issues and policy tools

National issues and operator updates

Practical developments hospitality businesses can use now, with direct links to trusted industry and government sources.

FY27

FY2027 federal per diem

Starting October 1, 2026, the standard lodging allowance for most of the continental United States increases to $113 per day. The standard meals and incidental expenses allowance remains $68 per day.

READ THE AHLA UPDATE →

RPI

Restaurant performance and cost indicators

Follow the National Restaurant Association's monthly Restaurant Performance Index for current trends in sales, traffic, labor, capital expenditures and operator expectations.

VIEW THE LATEST RPI →

MIR

Made in Restaurants

Explore the national story of restaurants as places where careers begin, communities gather, local economies grow and opportunity is made every day.

EXPLORE THE CAMPAIGN →

More tools and AHA updates

Use these sources to follow policy, find operator guidance and participate when your voice matters.

Last reviewed September 2026

01AHA Advocacy BriefPolicy, workforce, economic and industry developments for Arkansas hospitality.READ AND SUBSCRIBE → 02Arkansas advocacyState priorities, legislative context and ways AHA members can participate.EXPLORE AHA ADVOCACY → 03Penny shortage guidanceNational updates on penny circulation, cash rounding and the Common Cents Act.REVIEW PENNY GUIDANCE → 04NFL Sunday Ticket for businessCommercial access information for bars, restaurants, hotels and other eligible venues.VIEW BUSINESS OPTIONS → 05Federal legislationSearch bills, resolutions, committee activity, votes and member information.SEARCH CONGRESS.GOV → 06Federal regulatory docketsFind proposed rules, agency notices, supporting documents and public comment opportunities.SEARCH REGULATIONS.GOV →

Programs, policy details and deadlines may change. Confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or provider. This information is not legal advice.

Your experience makes the case stronger

Tell AHA how a federal policy, regulation, insurance condition, or operating challenge affects your employees, guests, and community.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVEREAD THE ADVOCACY BRIEF

Stay ready to act

Subscribe to the AHA Moment for advocacy developments, industry news, training, events, and member opportunities.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE AHA MOMENT

MEMBER ADVOCACY CHECKLIST

Make your voice count

When AHA asks for member input or action:

✓Describe the issue and the specific business decision it affects

✓Share concise examples, costs, workforce effects, or guest impacts

✓Separate verified facts from estimates, concerns, and predictions

✓Contact elected officials respectfully and explain the local impact

✓Participate in chapter meetings, issue briefings, and legislative events

✓Report conversations and follow-up needs back to the AHA team

Important: Advocacy priorities, bill language, regulatory proposals, and deadlines can change quickly. Use AHA updates and official government sources for current information. This page is informational and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: August 2026