GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Te Industry Eye on State & Local Issues
Covering Ground, and the November Election
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By MAGGIE YANCEY, GHBA Government Affairs and Communications Specialist
You Have a Voice with GAC!
If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, ext. 142 or email Maggie at
myancey@ghba.org.
s the saying goes, all politics is local and the best place to start is here at home. The GHBA protects the building industry’s interests
on all levels of government. While we try, it goes without saying the GHBA Government Affairs Department can’t be everywhere all the time.
It is your eyes and ears that are the quintessential components of our legislative and city government success. With unemployment above 9 percent and predicted by the White House to stay at that level throughout 2012, and the polls revealing the overwhelming sentiment of dissatisfaction with Congress—Americans have more than a good reason to keep accountable the electives at all levels.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently released a study that said its index of builder sentiment in September fell to 14 from 15. The index has been below 20 for all but one month during the past two years. Any reading below 50 indicates negative sentiment about the housing market. It hasn't reached 50 since April 2006, the peak of the housing boom.
It’s important for all of us to keep our chins up and to continue dedicating ourselves to what we do best and making our industry shine. Please know the GHBA’s HOME-PAC (political action committee) is a driving force in building relationships with officials including judges, city councilmen and women, mayors, commissioners and many more electives throughout the greater Houston region.
Voting in the upcoming local elections on November 8 and getting to know your elected officials where you live or build are all simple and enriching ways to politically engage yourself. Please visit the GHBA website for more information on who we are supporting in the upcoming election
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and voting information. The greater Houston area covers Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery counties, and all the local municipalities within those counties. Most counties like Harris will begin early voting on October 24 to November 4. The more boots on the ground the GHBA has, the better, as this allows for us to respond and act more seamlessly to issues.
Don’t be shy to remind or inform people that each new home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in taxes. The average person does not realize the valuable gifts that the industry contributes to our national and local economy.
The Government Affairs Department may be reached by calling or emailing Maggie Yancey, government affairs and communications specialist, at 281.970.8970 ext. 142 or
myancey@ghba.org.
Harris County Permitting Process Transitions Online
Harris County needs assistance from home builders in developing its new online permitting system called Harris County E-Permitting Process (HCEPP) to save you valuable time and resources.
The first phase of the process will involve builder input to help expedite submission through the permitting process. This will allow builders to submit their proposed development plans online, upload all associated files and documents, communicate directly with the residential permit technician handling their submission and have the flexibility to pay online with a variety of payment types (e.g. credit card and e-check).
The focus group will include beta testing the OCTOBER 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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