Update: REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative Approved by NAR Board of Directors
Saturday, May 14 - Statement by Ron Phipps, 2011 NAR President, on the passing of the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative:
“Earlier today, the NAR Board of Directors voted in favor of the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative and agreed to fund it through a dedicated dues increase of $40 per member, beginning in 2012. The initiative will allow NAR to provide millions of dollars in additional support to state and local boards, which are facing a cadre of policy proposals that would restrict private property rights and drain home owners’ pocketbooks.
“As the only organization speaking on behalf of America’s home owners, NAR must remain strong and influential at all levels of government. During the past week, we have heard from dozens of industry and government leaders about the broad challenges facing our markets and the growing desire on the part of federal, state and local governments to implement policies that would hurt home owners and the economy. In passing this initiative, REALTORS® send a clear message that we are ready and willing to protect the home owners and communities we serve.
“On behalf of the entire organization, we thank the directors for their feedback and guidance, as we refined this initiative, and we are grateful to all REALTORS® who engage in an informed debate prior to this vote."
More information on the passage of the Initiative coming soon, so please check this page frequently.
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NAR Dues Increase Proposed for New Political Initiative
In March 2011, NAR launched the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative. This initiative will help keep the REALTOR® organization among the most influential advocacy groups in America.
We all know there are monumental issues coming down the pike that will affect the daily businesses of REALTORS®. They include the future of mortgage finance, reforms of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA as well as possible changes in the Mortgage Interest Deduction. These are issues where REALTOR® advocacy is centered on keeping housing affordable in America.
At the same time, court rulings in 2010 have changed campaign funding at national and state levels. Corporate funds can now be used to shape opinions about candidates in all 50 states. It’s a major shift in political fundraising that will put much more funding in the arena, driving up the costs of media campaigns.
In order for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS to continue to have the impact it has had for the past 100 years in terms of political advocacy, the organization is stepping up its game. To maintain and grow political power in this new landscape, NAR launched the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative. This initiative did not just happen overnight; it was the result of nearly a year of careful study and consideration.
The initiative though, does come with a price tag; a NAR dues increase of $40. That’s because to undertake the initiative at a level to give it the best chance for success, greater additional funding is needed. The proposal will be taken up by the NAR Board of Directors at the Midyear Legislative Meetings in May. The increase would take effect in the 2012 budget year and because it is “dedicated” to this initiative, it would be used exclusively to fund political advocacy efforts as outlined by the Political Survival Initiative.
If this dues increase is approved, over 50% of NAR budget would be devoted to political advocacy, which consistently ranks among members as the #1 benefit they receive from NAR. Two-thirds of the dollars raised will be returned back to states to be used in support of local candidates and issue campaigns. And they’ll be available for other political advocacy needs—to help shape the opinions of candidates on real estate-related issues as they work their way up as elected leaders. It will combine NAR funds with state/local funds to increase our political power.
Efforts that are part of the Political Survival Initiative will not replace the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), one of the nation’s strongest PACs, that REALTORS® have vigorously supported for many years. Your RPAC support will continue to be vital.
LEARN MORE
Watch this video from the National Association of REALTORS for a summary of the REALTOR Party Political Survival Initiative.
For much more information and to be fully informed, please go to this page on the NAR website: http://www.realtor.org/topics/political_survival_initiative
There you will find additional background information, frequently asked questions, etc.
NAR hosted a virtual Town Hall on April 13 about this topic. President Ron Phipps discussed the rationale behind the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative (RPPSI) and he and other NAR Leadership Team members answered members’ questions. The 90-minute session is summarized in a detailed recap here.
NAR has additional information at this site: http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/rppsi.html.
Also, if you have questions about the REALTOR Party Political Survival Initiative, please email them to rppsi@realtors.org.