Republican senator battling for reelection would give couples $8,000 to go on vacation
by Anna Giaritelli, Homeland Security Reporter |
| June 23, 2020 02:29 PM
A politically embattled Republican senator wants to send the public on vacation on the government’s dime in an effort to spur domestic spending.
Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally, on Monday, introduced the American TRIP Act, which would give U.S. taxpayers $4,000 each in vacation tax credits for costs such as lodging, entertainment, flights, food, and more. Couples would receive $8,000 plus $500 per child.
McSally is in a difficult reelection battle against Democrat Mark Kelly, who leads her in a RealClearPolitics poll average by 10 percentage points.
“The tourism and hospitality industries were among the hardest hit sectors across the country, and their revival is critical to our economic recovery,†McSally said in a statement. “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.â€
The tax credit bill would also lead people to find new places to visit in the United States that they may not have known about, McSally said. Travel must be at least 50 miles away from home to be eligible and completed in 2020, 2021, or 2022.
In McSally’s home state of Arizona, travel and tourism make up more than $3 billion in tax receipts. The sector reported 35% unemployment in May. The bill would give the Destination Marketing Organizations $50 million to promote tourism spots nationwide.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/republican-senator-battling-for-reelection-would-give-couples-8-000-to-go-on-vacation
