PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE


Get on the Bus! I


By GHBA President MIKE DISHBERGER, GMB, Sandcastle Homes Inc.


Legislative Rally Day set for February 23


n1866 Gideon J. Tucker said, “No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” This statement, while a bit dire, reminds us to pay attention when the Texas Legislature meets this year. Many topics will be discussed and


voted upon that affect those of us in the home building business—new state laws and regulations, fees, taxes, redistricting and more.


On February 23, GHBA members are going to Austin for Legislative Rally Day, hosted by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB). On Rally Day, builders and associates from across Texas meet on the steps of the Capitol building to present our legislative agenda to our state representatives and senators. The GHBA will have four buses to take members of our organization to present our issues to our state representatives and senators.


It is


extremely important that Houston has a strong showing of support. While the GHBA Government Affairs staff and the executive group meet with lawmakers regularly, it means much more to the elected officials to meet with our members and constituents directly. All too often, I hear that “we” need to talk to our representatives about this or that. time to realize that the “we” is all of us! I ask that you devote one day to this worthy cause.


It’s


In addition to meeting with your elected representatives, you will also have the opportunity to talk with other builders and associates, both on the bus and while in Austin. You will have lunch on the Capitol grounds and be able to see the inner workings of the Texas Capitol building. We will have some free time to wander about, take in the sights, and watch the Senate or House of Representatives meeting in rooms that are rich in Texas history. For those who have never been to Rally Day, all I can say is this—talk to those who have gone on the trip before. Most of them return again and again.


My first trip was four years ago. Like most first timers, I didn’t know what to expect. We were split into groups of 10 to 15 persons and assigned senators and representatives to meet. We were given some talking points to aid us in our discussions. For the first few meetings, I was quiet. Then my talkative nature got the better of me and I started giving my perspectives to the legislators. By the time we were finished, everyone in our group felt like an expert on the different bills and issues. It was a thrilling experience.


During this legislative session we will be contacting you to email your local representative or senator about pending legislation that is important to our industry. This only takes a few minutes to do and helps show our support for issues important to the home building industry.


Finally, I would ask each of you to join HOME-PAC. (See page 11.) Your contribution goes a long way towards supporting pro-building candidates in elections at both the state and local level. At HOME-PAC’s trustee level ($1,000), you will be given opportunities to meet the candidates and to help select which ones GHBA supports. If you cannot contribute at the trustee level, please give what you can. Every contribution helps.


See you on the 23rd! 6 FEBRUARY 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


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