At the State of the Union this week, President Donald Trump used his speech to highlight the issue of paid federal leave and openly endorsed bi-partisan legislation currently before the Senate. The team from Align Public Strategies talks about that, and what might happen next. The team also discusses the Iowa caucuses and impeachment acquittal, and how these events could impact the rest of 2020.

Also, the rapid expansion of recreational marijuana and online sports betting could take a big bite out of consumers’ disposable income, further tightening an already tough market. This episode looks at the potential impact on restaurants and wraps up with the weekly legislative scorecard.

Align Public Strategies is a full-service public affairs and creative firm that helps corporate brands, governments and nonprofits navigate the outside world and inform their internal decision-making. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Nation's Restaurant News or Restaurant Hospitality.