GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Rally Day 2011 O
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.
n Wednesday, February 23, about 200 GHBA members gathered at the steps of the State Capitol along with the entire Texas Association
of Builders (TAB) delegation for another successful Rally Day. Chairman of the prestigious Business and Commerce Committee, Senator John Carona, warmly welcomed the participants to Austin.
The senator emphasized the importance of speaking with your legislators and informing them on how their legislation or votes affect our already fragile industry. “In this industry, it doesn’t matter if you’re a builder, shingle manufacturer or a pool guy,” says participant Keith Rodgers with HomeTeam Pest Control. “You have to be involved, because everything they do in Austin affects our livelihood.”
Following the rally, members lunched with legislators and their staffers. This provided a casual venue to meet and discuss issues with those working under the ‘Pink Dome.’ Then, over a plate of barbeque, participants formed teams to attend their afternoon legislator meetings. It was during these meetings that participants were able to personalize issues for members and put a face to legislation.
tools currently available.
GHBA Treasurer John Madsen, CPA (seated) discusses homebuilding industry issues with Representative Charlie Howard (R-Sugarland).
„ Property Owners’ Associations: A developer must maintain specific controls throughout the development period, as this is the basis for lender provided financing. POA legislation must recog- nize the inherent differences between a developer controlled board during the development period and one that is resident controlled. „ Business Taxes, Property Taxes, and Appraisals: Support changes resulting in lasting prop- erty tax relief without unduly bur- dening the Texas real estate indus- try. Support carefully considered changes to the franchise tax that achieve a broad-based approach and treat all sectors of the Texas economy fairly, including making the $1 million small business tax exemption permanent. „ Immigration: Efforts that move the burden of enforcement from the federal government onto Texas businesses should be rejected as an inefficient and un- necessary load that will increase
housing and other everyday costs for all Texans.
Participants discussed issues important to our industry with legislators and key staffers. „ County Development Authority: GHBA has con- tinuing concerns over the unreasonable growth of county governments desired by some and will continue working with counties to identify and implement the numerous growth management
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„ Freedom of Contract: Oppose efforts that limit the freedom to contract, such as restricting the use of longstanding legal remedies like arbitration and indemnity provisions.
Legislators were eager to use the opportunity to learn about our issues, and enhance their ability to present pro-building and pro-business legislation during committee hearings. The day was a huge success in the ‘People’s House,’ and everyone’s hard work and
Continued on next page APRIL 2011 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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