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Volume 2, Issue 02: January 23, 2009
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Governor Markell and family
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New Leadership Abounds: The Nation inaugurated the 44th President of the United States to record breaking crowds and Delaware inaugurated its 73rd Governor, Jack A. Markell. Governor Markell has appointed all his cabinet positions (with the exception of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control) and the Senate confirmed eight on Wednesday and seven more on Thursday.
DAR Welcomes 145th General Assembly: DAR hosted a reception for the members of the 145th General Assembly at the Hansen House in Dover. Many members of the House and Senate and their staff joined Association leadership for an fun evening filled with good food and conversation. Join us for our next reception this spring when we hold our Annual Legislative Action Day. For more information, please contact Charlotte Herbert at 302-734-4444 or charlotte@delawarerealtor.com.
DAR Testifies Against State Involvement in Land Use: DAR spoke before Chairman Brady and the House Housing and Community Affairs Committee on Wednesday to express opposition to HB 29 and state involvement in local land use decisions. HB 29 was reported out of the Committee by a vote of one on its merits and 8 unfavorable. The bill included one amendment limiting the six month moratorium to workforce housing projects only.
Senator Venables Moves SB7, Eminent Domain, Through Senate Small Business Committee: On Wednesday, SB 7 was reported out of the Senate Small Business Committee. DAR spoke in support of private property rights and a more comprehensive approach to eminent domain. DAR's remarks were met with support from many Senators. We expect to see consideration of additional legislation on this issue in February.
DUCOIA, Reported out of House Housing and Community Affairs Committee: DAR testified in support of the staying the enforcement of the Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (DUCOIA) or "condo bill" until July 1, 2009. It was the intent of the author, Representative Melanie Marshall, to have the bill considered by the House and Senate before the end of January.
DAR Met With DNREC on Deed Restrictions and Solar Energy Systems: DAR had a very successful meeting with DNREC on Solar Energy Systems and will meet with Senator McBride next Wednesday. We hope to have a final bill introduced next week that can be supported by all interested parties. For more information, please contact Charlotte Herbert at 302-734-4444 or Charlotte@delawarerealtor.com.
REGISTER NOW ON-LINE FOR THE 2009 RPAC OCEAN JUMP/CE CLASS: Join your fellow REALTORS® on Friday, March 6th for an afternoon learning about the new condo law and what to expect with the technical amendments, then have a little food and spirit and watch a few of us JUMP IN THE OCEAN to help raise money to elect REALTOR® Party Candidates.**
Federal News: In case you missed it!
*NAR Continues Push for TARP: NAR President Charles McMillian said, "The housing sector is at the core of the current economic crisis" and "a renewed, revitalized and robust housing market is essential to generating commerce and helping families build wealth and stability". NAR supports Representative Frank's proposal, H.R. 384, the TARP Reform and Accountability Act. If you haven't signed up to receive NAR ACTION ALERTS, visit the REALTOR(R) Action Center at www.realtoractioncenter.com to register or for more information.
*Tax Credit Repayment Likely to Be Eliminated: Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel has released an outline of a $275 Billion tax package to be included in the Obama Economic Stimulus Bill. Among its many provisions is one that would eliminate the repayment feature of the $7500 first-time home buyer tax credit. The June 30, 2009 expiration for the credit remains intact in the Ways and Means package. NAR is working to have the effective date extended through the end of the year so that the more robust credit can have an impact. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, has introduced H.R. 525, a bill that would extend the tax credit through December 31, 2009. NAR has sent the attached letter to every member of the Ways and Means Committee urging members to support Mr. Lewis's effort to move the effective date. For more information, please contact Linda Goold at 202-383-1083.
**Important Contribution Information: Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state PAC reaches its RPAC goal 30% is sent to the National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.c.441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.
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