Advocacy in Action | August 2025
Complete Survey: Immigration Reform
Please complete this survey from the National Restaurant Association on immigration reform. The survey aims to better understand the real-world impact of enhanced immigration enforcement - specifically how it has affected customer traffic and workforce participation in restaurants across the country.
Your voice is important - please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your responses help us advocate for meaningful reform that supports the workforce needs of our industry.
A 90-Second Update on immigration reform from Sean Kennedy, the National Restaurant Association’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs can be found here.
'One Big Beautiful Bill' Education & Resources
We have collated multiple articles and resources focused on the new tax legislation changes that affect restaurants.
Changes include:
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Employee tax deductions for tips and overtime pay, and modifications to business' 1099 reporting requirements.
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Restaurants will be required to provide the amount of qualified tips, the occupation of the tipped employee, and the amount of qualified overtime to their employees or other service providers on information reporting.
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Starting in 2026, the Form 1099 threshold for non-employees rises from $600 to $2,000, adjusted annually for inflation. This change potentially reduces paperwork and eases record-keeping burdens for restaurants.
New State Marketing Program Promotes Experiences Amid Government Funding Decline
Connecticut will launch a new tourism initiative this fall: CT Perks and Recreation. Led by Chief Marketing Officer Anthony Anthony, the program is designed to promote the state through experiences and social media engagement rather than traditional advertising.
Under a new law (HB 7166), the program will allow the sale of Connecticut-branded merchandise and offer digital ad opportunities for local businesses, with proceeds going to the state’s tourism fund.
Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch warns that the state’s tourism budget—now just $4.5 million, down from $12.1 million in 2022 and far behind neighboring states—threatens the industry’s growth and competitiveness.
National Restaurant Association Joins Coalition in Support of Open Banking
The National Restaurant Association joined a coalition of major retail and business groups in a letter to President Trump urging strong support for open banking.
The letter highlights growing concerns over large banks imposing punitive fees on financial technology providers, fees that threaten innovation, competition, and consumer choice in the payments space.
The coalition emphasized that open banking is essential to empowering consumers, lowering costs, and fostering a more competitive financial services market. The letter calls on the Administration to take a clear stand in an upcoming legal brief and defend the principles of financial innovation and economic freedom.
Latest on Tariffs
Here is a summary of the latest tariff movements and developments as of August 21, 2025:
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US-EU Trade Deal: The US and EU have agreed on a framework for a trade deal, capping tariffs on most European goods at 15%. This includes imports like cars, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber. The EU has committed to eliminating tariffs on US industrial goods and offering preferential market access for some US seafood and agricultural products.
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Steel and Aluminum: The US expanded its 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum to include over 400 additional products, including car parts, plastics, and chemicals, effective August 18.
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Canada: US tariffs on goods from Canada, were raised to 35% on August 1, though USMCA-qualified goods remain exempt.
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China: A 90-day pause on heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods was extended until November 10 to allow time for trade negotiations.
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Mexico: Higher tariffs (30%) on many goods from Mexico were granted a 90-day reprieve to allow for negotiations on a broader trade pact.
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De Minimis Exemption: The de minimis exemption, which allowed low-value shipments to enter the US duty-free, was globally suspended effective August 29. According to UPS and Blank Rome LLP, all US imports, regardless of value or origin, are now subject to applicable duties when shipped via non-postal networks.
The current average effective US tariff rate is estimated to be 18.2%, the highest since 1934.
Tariffs Impacting Alcohol Industry
More than 80 alcohol industry groups are urging former President Trump to back off proposed tariffs on European Union imports, warning that added duties could jeopardize U.S. jobs and increase prices on consumer favorites like wine and spirits.
“The restaurant industry is concerned that the inclusion of European wine and spirits in the recently announced U.S.-EU trade agreement will increase costs and push up menu prices for consumers who want these choices,” Michelle Korsmo, CEO & President of the National Restaurant Association, said.
Latest Update from National Restaurant Association
Watch the latest 90-Second Update from Sean Kennedy, the National Restaurant Association’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.
The latest episode focuses on tariffs and trade negotiations, breaking down what we know so far and how the National Restaurant Association has been communicating to the White House and lawmakers on your behalf.
Washington, D.C. Reinstates the Tip Credit
The Washington, D.C. City Council has passed legislation to preserve a 25% tip credit, reversing a previous plan to eliminate it by 2027. The move comes after concerns that eliminating it would negatively impact the restaurant industry, resulting in possible job losses and restaurant closures.
The legislation "will provide meaningful relief for operators and preserve a model that is supported by tipped employees," said Mike Whatley, VP of state affairs and grassroots advocacy for the National Restaurant Association.