2015 FPC News
 
Word-of-the-week-button.png
Brokered Convention-occurs when no single candidate has secured a majority of delegates prior to the first vote for a political party's presidential candidate at its nominating convention. Once the first ballot, or vote, has occurred, and no candidate has a majority of the delegates' votes, the convention is then considered brokered; thereafter, the nomination is decided through a process of alternating political (super) delegate vote trading—and additional re-votes. In this circumstance, all regular delegates (who may have been pledged to a particular candidate according to rules which vary from state to state) are "released" and able to switch their allegiance to a different candidate before the next round of balloting.


Dear ,

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif FPC Roundtable Question: Part Two

During FPC Roundtable at the REALTOR Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo in May, what topic would you most like to hear Jerry Giovaniello discuss? Please select your top choice.

    1. Commercial Issues
    2. Congressional Election Outlook
    3. Business Operation Issues
    4. Housing Finance Issues
    5. REALTOR Tax Issues

If you have questions about the above, please contact Victoria Givens at vgivens@realtors.org.

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif Please File Your 1st Quarter Field Reports

This is a friendly reminder that your 2016 FPC Quarterly Field Reports are due before the end of March.  For your convenience the reporting link has been included below. When filing your reports, please take the time to be as detailed as possible about your interactions with your Senators and Representatives. 

To file your FPC Field Reports:  CLICK HERE

Please reach out to Victoria Givens if you have any questions: vgivens@realtors.org or 202-383-1021

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif RSVP: FPC Lobbyist Prep Salons  

Please remember to RSVP for your lobbyist prep salon in May. As a reminder, this is your opportunity to network with other FPCs while getting personal time and training with your lobbyist. Your political directors will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have. These sessions will better prepare you for your day on Capitol Hill and ensure you have the best possible meeting with your Members of Congress. This opportunity is only being provided to FPCs and State Government Affairs Directors. No guests or extra team members will be allowed to participate.

Please see the schedule and map below to determine your lobbyist, find out what time your state meets on Tuesday, May 10th, then RSVP. All salons will take place in the Washington Hilton on Connecticut Avenue. Exact room names will be forthcoming closer to the date. If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Givens at VGivens@realtors.org or 202-383-1021.

Tuesday, May 10

9:30am - 10:30am FPC Lobbyist Salon 7: Colin Allen
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 1: Helen Devlin
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 2: Jamie Gregory
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 3: Jerry Giovaniello
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 4: Dan Blair
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 5: Joe Harris
10:00am - 11:00am FPC Lobbyist Salon 6: Ken Wingert




 

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  Important FPC Meetings During REALTOR Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo

Please note the following important meetings as you plan your travel to D.C. in May.  

May 10
9:30 - 10:30 AM and 10:00 – 11:00 AM - FPC Lobbyist Prep Salons, Washington Hilton
2:00 - 3:20 PM - FPC Roundtable, Omni Shoreham

May 11
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM - FPC Reception, Omni Shoreham
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM - FPC VIP Lounge, Hyatt Capitol Hill

May 12
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - FPC VIP Lounge, Hyatt Capitol Hill

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  FPC Stipend/Reimbursement Details

As you are likely aware, each FPC who attends the REALTORs® Legislative Meeting and Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. is afforded a stipend of up to $1,000 to help defray the costs of your trip. The reimbursement process will be the same as in previous years: FPCs, following state reimbursement rules, should file your expense report with the state immediately after your trip. States will then submit one invoice to NAR for the entire state FPC delegation that attended the meetings and are requesting the stipend.

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  NAR President Tom Salomone Comments on Appraisal Threshold

This week, NAR President Tom Salomone submitted a comment letter to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The letter affirms NAR support of the current appraisal threshold of $250,000 for Federally Related Transactions. The letter also thanked the federal banking agencies for their March 4, 2016 Interagency Advisory on Use of Evaluations in Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions, which  describes the existing framework for using an evaluation instead of an appraisal in some real estate-related financial transactions.

NAR Comment Letter to FFIEC

Interagency Advisory on Use of Evaluations in Real Estate-Related Financial Transactions

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  Senate Committee Holds Drone Hearing

Last week, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held the hearing, "Up in the Air: Examining the Commercial Applications of Unmanned Aircraft for Small Businesses."  During the hearing, witnesses from the Air Line Pilots Association, the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, and the Mercatus Center at George Mason University discussed the potential that unmanned aerial systems (drones) hold for the U.S. economy and small businesses, the need for the U.S. to remain competitive with other nations in drone innovation, and the importance of protecting privacy and safety of people in the National Air Space and on the ground.   

NAR sent a letter to the Committee members for the hearing, emphasizing the potential that drone technology holds for the real estate industry, while reiterating our commitment to working with the FAA and other agencies to create a culture of safe and responsible drone users.  

Read NAR's Letter

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  NAR Sends Letter to Senate on HR 3700

NAR sent a letter to all Senators, urging them to bring H.R. 3700, the "Housing Opportunities through Modernization Act” to the Senate floor.  This legislation passed the House with a unanimous vote of 427-0 last month. HR 3700 contains provisions to ease FHA restrictions on condo sale and purchase; provides permanent authority for direct endorsement for approved lenders to approve Rural Housing Service loans; and makes reforms to federally assisted rental housing programs to streamline the program.  NAR is urging the Senate to bring this important, non-controversial legislation to the Floor for an immediate vote.

NAR letter to Senate on HR 3700 (link is external)

NAR testimony on HR 3700 (link is external)

NAR Condominium Resource Book

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  Rules for Endangered Species Changed Increases Regulator Burdens

The US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (the “Services”) have circulated major changes to their critical habitat regulations. The result will be more designation of state, local and private land as critical habitat, and increased regulatory burdens and costs on land activities. Effects will be felt by a wide range of public and private sector entities across government and industry sectors, including real estate. The changes take effect on March 14, 2016. To read more on the issue click here.

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  Supreme Court to Hear Water Case

In the biggest Clean Water Act (CWA) case in a decade, the U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether government assertions of CWA jurisdiction may be challenged in court. All commercial activities that involve the use of land or waterbodies can be impacted by CWA regulatory burdens. Thus, the outcome of this case has the potential to affect all public and private sector entities engaged in land use and development including the banking, real estate, retail, energy and agriculture industries. NAR is engaged and watching the matter closely. To read more click here.

http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/images/content/pagebuilder/28022.gif  Electronic FPC Packets for NAR’s Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo 

 This year, your FPC packets will again be electronic, which means you will be able to download and print all of your information in advance. Your electronic packets will be available for download in late April/early May through the REALTOR® Action Center FPC page at www.realtoractioncenter/epacket2016. Your electronic packets will include the following:

    • Talking Points
    • NAR Congressional Map Report
    • RPR Report
    • Capitol Hill Map
    • Do’s and Don’ts of Meeting with Members of Congress
    • Helpful Tips
      • Important meetings
      • D.C. metro map
      • Restaurants around town
      • Contact Information for NAR Grassroots Team

You will receive your leave-behind material for your Capitol Hill meetings at the FPC Roundtable on May 10th, the Federal Issues Briefing on May 12th and pamphlets will also be available at the FPC Lounge. If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Givens at vgivens@realtors.org.

Hearings on the Hill

This week, NAR followed the following hearings on Capitol Hill. You can see full recordings of each hearing below. For questions, please contact vgivens@realtors.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

 

  

Tips of the Trade

This Week: How to Write an Effective Letter to Congress 

While it is best to try and communicate with your member in person, there are instances where a letter or e-mail is appropriate and even necessary. As you are aware, NAR has developed a number of Calls for Action on the REALTOR® Action Center Website, which can be accessed here that enable you to quickly and easily communicate with your elected officials on issues important to NAR. If you decide to write your own letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of your communication:

1.  State your purpose: Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If the letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H.R. ____, Senate bill: S. ____.

2. State your position: Explain how a bill would affect you, your family, your business, or even your state or community.

3. Focus on one issue: Address only one issue in each letter using facts and examples to support your position, and if possible, keep the letter to one page.

4. Be courteous: However, do be firm, confident, and positive.

5. Address your letter: Put your return address on the letter, not just the envelope. Envelopes are often thrown away before a letter is answered.

6. Explain: Be clear as to whether you are writing on your own behalf or as president of an organization, chairman of a group etc.

7. Ask for a reply: Indicate to your legislator that you would appreciate a reply containing his or her position on the issue. As a constituent, you have a right to know your representative’s views.

8. Follow up: If your legislator’s vote on the bill pleases you, express your thanks. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter. By the same token, you should express your dissatisfaction with votes that do not support your position.

 Addressing Correspondence:

To a Senator

 

To a Representative

To a Chair of a committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

The Honorable (full name):

The Honorable (full name):

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

United States Senate

United States House of Representatives

Dear Mr. Speaker or Madam Speaker:

Washington, DC 20510

Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Senator (last name):

Dear Representative (last name):

 

 

 

 

 

**FPC Weekly Newsletters are now online!


 
Stay Connected:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2020
Powered By Blackbaud

To Unsubscribe Click Here