The latest statistics show that tourism accounted for nearly 2.8 percent of total U.S. GDP in 2013, and the industry as a whole supports 5.7 million jobs. The latest edition of the Taxpayer's Tab features a bill from U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) which would reauthorize Brand USA, the public-private organization that promotes U.S. tourism to international audiences, through 2020. The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act has been sponsored by 66 Representatives and 25 Senators.
Also featured in the newest issue:
- Most Expensive: Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) has introduced the Covering People With Pre-Existing Conditions Act, which would expand state-run high risk pools to provide health coverage to those unable to qualify because of their health history. It would cost $7.5 billion over the next five years.
- The Wildcard: Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) introduced the Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (STAAR) Act. It would expand funding for research that combats antibiotic resistance by $100 million per year.
- Pricey Bus Stops, New Concern About the Debt: NTUF staff has been blogging lately, this week about a new report from GAO on the problem of U.S. debt and an Arlington County, VA transportation proposal that could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
The latest edition of the Tab is available online.