fuel-efficient cars, which means legislators must consider creative forms of financing when determining how to best to fund the aging transportation infrastructure in the state.
Third, as the home building industry at- tempts to address the recent labor short- age, many legislators recognize that the Texas public school system has focused educational efforts on college readiness rather than providing additional options for other workforce trades. Further, there is a consensus among the building and development community that student programs focused on trades helpful to the construction industry could be both useful to home building as well as to students who are interested in finding an immediate job following high school.
GHBA members will have the opportunity to discuss these issues and many more at Rally Day this month!
Get on the Bus! Rally Day
Rally Day is quickly approaching. On February 20, GHBA members will leave Houston and head to Austin to visit with local state representatives and senators. Your participation in Rally Day is critical. It is imperative that our delegation members hear from you personally and understand how the issues at hand affect your business at a local level.
If you have not signed up yet, please take the time to register online today at:
www.ghba.org/register.
On the National Front
Early last month, Congress passed H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, avoid- ing the fiscal cliff and curtailing a set of tax increases and spending reductions scheduled for 2013.
H.R. 8 permanently extended most of the 2001/2003 tax cuts as well as the
Alternative Minimum Tax patch. The legislation also permanently established parameters of the estate tax.
Specific to the home building industry, H.R. 8 extended the mortgage debt tax relief through the end of 2013 as well as the deduction for mortgage
insurance.More information about the components of H.R. 8 and the implica- tions of the legislation can be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/al6qhk7.
It is important to note that while Congress averted the fiscal cliff, the new Congress now faces a series of mini-cliffs due to the need to raise the debt ceiling, establish spending levels and address another sequester of government funds.
GHBA, along with the NAHB, will keep you informed on how the President and the new Congress continue to address the country’s deficit challenges and how the policy options debated will affect the home building industry.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | FEBRUARY 2013
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