This year over 2500 bills were introduced to the California legislature. More than we have seen in decades. Historically, RV parks and campgrounds tend to fly under the radar avoiding some of those bills that wreak havoc on our counterparts, in the mobile home space however as more RV parks are moving to an extended stay model our industry is now suddenly being included in everything from Narcan dispensing, fee transparency, rent control, affordable housing bills and even updating the Special Occupancy Parks Act. As the state looks to “solve” the problem of not enough camping sites, brought about by its own inability to deal with state park registration issues, they have looked to RV parks for a solution but what they see is parks filled with long term residents. Without context, independent RV parks have taken on the look of affordable housing but what isn’t seen is that parks provide a service to the community. They house teachers for a season, line workers bringing new power, traveling nurses, and even state legislators. To a politician looking to expand travel and tourism it would appear that RV parks are not a reasonable option stating that “tourists do not want to vacation where others live”. So, they are removing our transient business for what they believe is a more suitable experience for the out of state traveler. While on the other end of the bookshelf, legislators are forcing RV parks into full time affordable housing completely disregarding our travel and tourism segment. They see our industry as a solution to the housing crisis and perhaps even the homeless crisis. Little understanding is given to the “intent” by which a traveler chooses to stay at a park, and they are blissfully ignorant to the role RV parks play in supporting travel and tourism during the winter months when our parks fill with snowbirds. Between opposing legislation, RV parks are being bookended into a death spiral and it won’t stop here. When the unintended consequences start rolling in new legislation will be introduced to correct the inaccuracies of the bills on the table today. SOPA is on the table and if we don’t get involved with the process the legislators will do it for us. As an industry we must take a stand. It is time to encourage those parks that are not members to join us in support. It is time for you as members to get involved. And it is time to hold your board of directors accountable. We need to stop the spiral before it is too late. See you on the road. Dyana
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David Gorin, a founding member of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (National ARVC) passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 78 years old. David Gorin was the definition of a titan of industry when it comes to RV parks and campgrounds. Among his assistance in establishing the National ARVC, Gorin was also a consultant and lobbyist within the industry, as well as an RV and manufactured housing Hall of Fame recipient. Since his diagnosis of stage four pancreatic and liver cancer in February, Gorin spent his final months enjoying the countless friendships he made within the industry over the course of his career. David also made sure to spend quality time with his two sons, Daniel and Jesse, and his wife, Susan. Susan Gorin, his wife, noted on CaringBridge.org that “He and I did a lot of talking and planning in preparation for this day. He was quite humble about what he wanted people to remember and say about him. What I can say is that his intentions and actions were always for good reasons, he was respected highly by those he worked with, he deeply loved our family and friends, and he met his three final goals: our annual Passover seder in NYC, our Memorial Day weekend with our sons and their girlfriends, and a pain-free departure from home through hospice.” For more updates from David Gorin’s family or to share your thoughts, please visit CaringBridge.org During the week of June 4, 2023, CalOHA’s President & CEO Dyana Kelley attended RVs Move America week in Washington, DC. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) hosted RVs Move America week in Washington, DC last week. The three-day event kicked off with two days of committee meetings followed by an advocacy day. Dyana Kelley, our President and CEO, had the opportunity to attend public & legislative affairs, sustainability, and membership & supplier committee meetings, among others. On Wednesday, Dyana marched on to capitol hill, where she met with representatives from California, Oregon, and Washington to promote four prominent issues within our industry. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act Without safe and adequate campgrounds, we severely hamper the $140 billion American-made RV industry. This landmark legislation addresses longstanding maintenance backlogs negatively impacting public lands, including roads and campgrounds that RVers rely on every day. The RVIA asked for support in outdoor recreation legislation and an outdoor recreation package as it comes together. Farm Bill Outdoor Recreation in rural communities is a significant driver for economic development, growth, and resiliency across the country. Legislation to reauthorize federal agriculture programs every five years provides an opportunity to help rural communities respond to increased demand for outdoor recreation by providing technical assistance and funding. Additionally, the Farm Bill provides an opportunity to ensure that the US Forest Service is accounting for outdoor recreation in their strategic planning. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Competitive Need Limitations (CNL) The RV industry relies on the GSP to import very thin plywood used in most RVs from Indonesia, duty free. Unfortunately, the program expired in December 2020 and the industry is currently burdened by import duties while also facing issues related to inflation. In recent history, this program has been renewed for a brief period of three years. The RVIA believes this should be at least 6 years. CNLs are built-in import ceilings under the GSP program that eliminate duty-free access to the U.S. market for products that exceed them, even if there is no domestic alternative or concerns that imports harm a U.S. industry. GSP benefits are terminated when imports of a certain product from a certain country either account for 50% or more of the value of total US imports of that product or exceed a certain dollar value. The RVIA asked representatives for support to modernize CNLs by increasing the dollar threshold by a value that matches inflation and removing the volume limitation for products that are only available in a limited geographic area. Dealer Floor Plan Interest Deduction/Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act The current definition of “motor vehicle” in the federal tax code inequitably impacts certain segments of the RV industry. While dealer inventory financing interest charges on motorhomes remains fully deductible, since 2017 towable RVs have been limited to deductions of only 30% of interest expenses. This RV motorhome/towable distinction is unfair, and the unintended disparity becomes more problematic as interest rates increase. Overall, RVs Move America week was a successful week full of networking, committee meetings, and advocacy efforts. Over 11.2 million households own an RV according to the RVIA; this is up 26% over the past 10 years and 62% over the past 20 years. How do we keep it up? The RV industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry: $140 billion to be exact. It contributes greatly to the country’s economy and even connects travelers from across the globe. More people than ever before are discovering the joy and wonder of RVing. With such a rapidly growing industry, how do we keep it from falling? Help us to advocate for RV parks and campgrounds Speak to your local legislators and assembly members about bills happening now in California, but also be aware of national bills as well. We have been working hard to make our members aware of Assembly Bill 1472, which fines RV park owners who have tenants move out for a period of time and then allows them to move back in under a new lease as a method of preventing residency. Currently, the bill is in the judiciary phase, and CalOHA is working with a lobbyist to combat its passing. There is also a national bill that we need to pass: America’s Outdoor Recreation Act. This bill attempts to modernize and expand campgrounds in order to keep up with the current demand in the industry. It will also increase jobs and access to public lands, ensure more Americans are able to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, and create more RV camping opportunities. With campgrounds and RV parks experiencing record-breaking demand, it is vital that we keep them not just operating but updated and well kept. One way to assist with this is to pass America’s Outdoor Recreation Act. This week, our President and CEO is in Washington DC advocating for your parks, and this act is one of many discussions. Our industry is continuing to grow. However, if we do not take care of them, RV parks and campgrounds may not be able to sustain themselves in the future. For more information on these bills and advocacy efforts, please send us an email or call our office at (530) 885-1624. |
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