This year’s trip to NAR’s Legislative Meetings and Conference was a success. Over 75 Iowans attended this national conference in Washington D.C during the week of May 15. Our contingent of leaders across the state were able to meet with each of our congressmen and senators.
Our group asked our lawmakers to keep the importance of homeownership in mind during all the discussion of tax reform. With homeowners paying 83% of all federal income taxes, we oppose any measures that would raise the homeowners’ share of taxes. Other tax related discussions centered around boosting the all-time low number of first-time homebuyers and keeping the provisions in place for 1031 like-kind exchanges. Improving and keeping the National Flood Insurance program intact was another hot topic during our hill visits. Realtors® urged lawmakers to carefully reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Dismantling these entities with a viable replacement would have serious consequences to families’ ability to own a home.
During the RPAC Awards Ceremony:
- Iowa was recognized for its awesome accomplishments in the 2016 RPAC year
- IAR won the President’s Cup again!
- IAR won the Triple Crown again!
- Highest Percentage of Fundraising Goal for a Medium State - 2nd Place
- Most Improved Overall Fundraising for a Medium State - 2nd Place
Also, Jo Jenkins was inducted into the NAR Hall of Fame for investing over $25,000 in RPAC. Jo served as President of IAR in 2006 and won the O.G. Powell/Joan Ballantyne Distinguished Service Award in 2012. Jo has served on national committees since 2004 and state level committees since 1995. Congratulations, Jo!
IAR is excited about the recent passage of the First Time Home Buyer Savings Program. NAR will grant us $100,000 to help us implement the program in Iowa. We will be educating Iowans on this new program and building relationships and coalitions with banks, financial advisors, builders and others to ensure that Iowa residents are informed about the options available to them towards the purchase of a home. Keep an eye out for educational materials as well as creative advertising pieces as we begin to implement the program.