Federal
On March 11, President Joe Biden signed into law the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 133).  The American Rescue Plan provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments and $14 billion for vaccine distribution.  The bill provides $130 billion to elementary, middle and high schools to assist with safe reopening.  The new plan also contains much needed relief for the travel and tourism industry.  A summary of major provisions related to the travel and tourism industry is provided by the U.S. Travel Association.  In addition, the USTA has provided information on the American Rescue Plan Act and the End of Year Omnibus Bill (from December 2020), including access to relief programs and offerings that will help the travel industry. 

Here’s information at the following links: 

As additional information is made available, Visit San Antonio will provide those details. 

State 
There are just more than two months remaining in the Regular Legislative Session.  Bill filing came to an end March 12. There have been 6,730 House and Senate Bills filed so far for this legislative session.  Any bills filed after the 12th only pertain to local issues. 

Bills have begun to get assigned to their respective committee(s).  As legislative activity increases, we will provide additional information for your review.  

The Texas Travel Alliance is asking for you to be an advocate for travel and tourism; please do that here: Text TRAVEL to 40649, and follow prompts to complete sign-up.  If you have any questions, please let us know and we can assist you. 

Local: Elections 
The City of San Antonio will conduct its General Election in May.  Election dates are as follows: 

  • General Election: Saturday, May 1 

  • Early Voting Period: Monday, April 19–Tuesday, April 27 

  • Run Off Election (If Needed): Thursday, June 5 

You have until Thursday, April 1, to register to vote in this election.  Additional election information can be found on the Bexar County Elections Department webpage. 

Local: City of San Antonio Hospitality Grants 
In partnership with LiftFund, the City of San Antonio is providing grants to hospitality businesses to support recovery efforts. Applications are now open. Submit your application before Monday, April 5, at 11 p.m.