ELECTED AS ONE OF THE FIRST Korean American women in Congress, Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) is no stranger to blazing a trail for others while working to make California’s 40th District the best it can be. With that fighting spirit, it’s little wonder why she’s become a staunch supporter of AAHOA and its mission of leveling the playing field for everyone in the industry.
As a longtime small-business owner herself, Rep. Kim knows well the struggles facing the American economy and has put her full effort into drafting and supporting legislation that increases access to capital, eliminates unnecessary fees, and reduces taxes.
During her first term on Capitol Hill, Rep. Kim was able to pass close to 30 bills out of the House with more than a dozen signed into law. According to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, her record was ranked among the most effective in Congress, and she received the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Legislative Action Award.
Among other current efforts, she’s currently championing H.R. 6543, the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays (FEES) Act, a bill supported by AAHOA that would require providers of short-term lodging to clearly disclose mandatory fees.
Much like AAHOA Members, Rep. Kim wears many hats – immigrant, small-business owner, community leader, former California Assemblywoman, mother, and grandmother – and is fighting hard “to help all Americans have the chance to achieve their dream.”
WHAT LED YOU TO BECOMING ACTIVE IN GOVERNMENT? WAS THERE A SPECIFIC CROSSROADS, OR WAS IT THE CUMULATIVE RESULT OF NUMEROUS EVENTS?
As an immigrant, I believe in giving back to my community and my country that has provided me so many opportunities, and I taught my children the same values. My family emigrated from South Korea to the island of Guam, and I remember walking along the beach as a young girl with my mom to pick up cans and bottles. We would bring back any money we made from recycling to our church as our way of giving back to the community that welcomed us. As immigrants and Asian Americans, this is embedded in who we are.
However, I never would’ve thought a girl like me would end up serving in the California State Assembly and U.S. House of Representatives. I graduated from USC, worked as a bank controller, started a small business, and raised my family before I got involved in public service when I met then-State Senator Ed Royce through my husband’s nonprofit, Korean American Coalition. Before I knew it, I was working in his state Senate office in community relations and Asian affairs. When he was elected to Congress, I went with him. I was able to focus on issues important to our AAPI community and foster U.S.-Asia relations as he was on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Two decades later, in 2012, he said “We need to find a candidate to run against this Democrat state Assembly member” who had just won. I said, “Sure, I’ll look for somebody.” And he said, “Look no further; you will be great.” And I said, “Huh?” And that’s when I ran for the California State Assembly. When he retired, I ran for Congress. I didn’t plan to be here, but I’m honored to serve the community I’ve called home for decades. This is not a job I take lightly, and I’m working hard to keep the American Dream I’ve lived alive for future generations.
AS ONE OF THE FIRST KOREAN AMERICAN WOMEN TO SERVE IN CONGRESS, CAN YOU SPEAK TO THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A GOVERNMENT MADE UP OF INDIVIDUALS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?
We all have our unique stories and journeys, and the more different perspectives we have at the table in Congress, the more we can ensure policies passed by Congress do the most amount of good as possible.
I came to Congress in 2021, and every seat won by a Republican was won by a woman, minority, or veteran. I think this is a very good thing. Also, 2021 was when we saw a rise in AAPI hate crimes. I learned quickly the need to speak out and that my voice is important to educate my colleagues about not just my district, but also my AAPI community.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY PLAY IN YOUR CALIFORNIA AT LARGE AND YOUR DISTRICT, SPECIFICALLY?
California’s hospitality industry is one of the largest in the country and is critical for local economies in my district, with tourists visiting to see sites from the Nixon Library and the Anaheim Angels to Disneyland and beaches.
WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NO HIDDEN FEES ACT, AND HOW WOULD THIS LEGISLATION AFFECT HOTELIERS?
As we see persistent inflation costing Americans more for everything, budgeting and saving up for trips can be much more difficult for families. The last thing we need is to be hit with costly fees at the end that mislead consumers. That’s why I introduced the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays (No Hidden FEES) Act of 2023, to improve cost transparency for stays in short-term lodging, such as hotels, motels, and inns. The No Hidden FEES Act prohibits unfair or misleading price advertising for short-term lodging and requires accurate price listings that include all mandatory and resort fees up front.
For hoteliers, that means ensuring prices for any of their rooms or suites include all fees, excluding government taxes, that may be added. This provides certainty and saves time for families planning their vacations and comparing lodging options and increases trust between the hoteliers and consumers.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL IS AN ENORMOUS ISSUE FOR HOTELIERS RIGHT NOW. HOW CAN WE MAKE IT EASIER FOR HOTELIERS TO SECURE FINANCING FOR NEW PROJECTS?
Expanding access to capital for small business owners, especially for minority and women entrepreneurs who often face additional hurdles, is a top priority of mine in Congress. Part of this means creating clear guidelines, which is why I introduced the Small Dollar Loan Certainty Act to provide clear principles for financial institutions providing small-dollar loans and ensure working Americans can access the capital they need. Congress should also examine increasing the current cap of $5M of the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program.
Unfortunately, the current cap hasn’t increased in many years and doesn’t take into account high inflation rates not seen in decades. This change could unlock more capital for hoteliers to pay for higher expenses. Finally, we also need to ensure small business owners are aware of resources available to them. I encourage you to contact your local small business development center (SBDC) and look for any grant programs available as well.
HOW WOULD YOU ADVISE SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS LOOKING TO MAKE A CONNECTION WITH THEIR ELECTED LEADERS IN WASHINGTON?
Reach out to your representative, whether it’s on a legislative issue or if you need assistance cutting through red tape with the Small Business Administration. Get involved with your local chambers to meet other small business owners, expand your network, and find like-minded individuals to form a collective voice on issues. Don’t be afraid to speak out and have your voice heard.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS THINKING ABOUT RUNNING FOR ELECTED OFFICE?
Do it! As small business owners, we have important perspectives to share, especially when it comes to creating policies and conducting oversight on regulations and rules from federal agencies. Policies should make life easier for small business owners, not harder. Small business owners have proven to be resilient too through the COVID-19 pandemic and now with persistent inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain shortages. Having small business owners at the table is the nation’s gain.
