SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) will chair the first hearing of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee at 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

The hearing will cover the strategic plan for COVID-19 recovery and relief in the hospitality industry and will feature testimony from representatives of various areas of the industry, including Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association; Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association; Jayne Deluce from the Champaign County Visitors Bureau; and Cara Bader, representing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

As it is a subject matter hearing, no legislation will be up for a vote. The hearing will be held virtually and can be viewed here.

WHO:       Chair Sara Feigenholtz, Tourism and Hospitality Committee members and representatives of the IRA, the IHLA, the Illinois DCEO, and the Champaign County Visitors Bureau

WHAT:     Senate Tourism and Hospitality subject matter hearing on the strategic plan for COVID recovery in the hospitality industry

WHEN:     Thurs., Feb. 18, 2021 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:   To view virtual committee proceedings, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will become available when proceedings begin. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.