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What is the Chapter Challenge?

What is the Chapter challenge? The annual Chapter Challenge is one way GBTA encourages local chapters to drive advocacy efforts and awareness for the GBTA PAC. It awards "Partner Status" to Chapters that complete the required activities outlined for the year.

What is the GBTA PAC and why is it important? The GBTA PAC advocates for legislation that benefits the business travel industry. It allows individuals in the association to band together and provide financial assistance to people seeking office. The PAC allows for greater amounts to be contributed as a group than an individual. Learn more at GBTA.org 

The 2024 Chapter Challenge requirements:

• Chapter invites an elected/government official to speak OR host a GBTA Government Relations themed meeting
• 40% of Chapter members must send an email to an elected official through the GBTA website
• Chapters must send an endorsed GBTA letter to its area's Federal elected official
• Total Chapter PAC donations must equal $7.50 per Chapter member with at least 30% of members donating
• Chapters must assign a person to serve as a liaison to GBTA Government Relations

Bonus Points can be earned if:

• Chapter sends one member to the 2024 Legislative Summit (1 point max)
• Total Chapter PAC donations average at least $10.00 per Chapter member with at least 30% of members donating
• Total Chapter PAC donations average at least $10.00 per Chapter member with at least 50% of members donating

The 2024 US Legislative Summit is open for registration! GBTA is proud to host the 20th Annual GBTA US Chapter Leadership Summit. This event brings over 175 US Chapter volunteer leaders from across the country for 2 days of learning including professional development, networking and collaboration to enhance GBTA’s 36 US Chapter organizations. All US Chapter board members and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Schedule: June 10-12, 2024

June 10th - 6pm-8pm
Opening Reception

June 11th - 8:30am-5:00pm
Education Session on Capitol Hill, Legislative Issues
How to Lobby Congress
Members of Congress addressing the attendees
Reception

June 12th - 8:00am-5:00pm
Individual meetings with your members of Congress

2023 Legislative Summit Issues Updates 

FAA Reauthorization

• Current extension through March 8th
• House version passed 351-69 in July
• Senate Commerce Committee attempted a markup in June, but postponed
• Lingering process issues and disputes over pilot training, mandatory retirement age, and DCA slots need to be resolved

Expanded Preclearance Locations

• Report language included in House DHS Appropriations bill
• Preclearance - The Committee supports the continued expansion of the preclearance program and urges CBP to consider expansion to eligible partners in the Indo-Pacific region
• Passed Committee in June and full House in September
• Could be impacted by final FY24 negotiations

Incentivizing SAF

• SAF tax credit guidance released in December, expecting further updates in March
• Credit set to transition to a tech-neutral clean fuels tax credit at the end of 2024
• Extension and expansions on the table for 2024/2025

Want to learn more or get involved? Reach out to Kim Conway and Avery Sundling who lead our Chicago Chapter Government Relations Committee at [email protected]