RPAC

The REALTORS Political Action Committee is your best investment in real estate. Your contributions support federal, state and local lawmakers who share the REALTOR commitment to promote homeownership and private property rights.

RPAC is administered by an autonomous group of REALTOR trustees representing all regions of New York. Decisions on contributions to candidates are based on an individual's voting record not party affiliations. It is a candidate's demonstration of support for REALTOR issues that leads to an RPAC contribution.

Contributing to RPAC is simple and easy!Contribute to RPAC onlineInvesting in the future of the real estate business has never been easier. Simply click here and log on with your NRDS# (found on your NYSAR membership card or by calling NYSAR at 518-463-0300 x 207), proceed to the "Contribute to RPAC" link and either contribute by credit card or TeleCheck. Once you have filled in your contribution information, please scroll down to the bottom of the form and click "Submit." Click here to begin.

Send an RPAC contribution by mail or faxPlease complete and return the RPAC pledge form . It can be returned to NYSAR or your local board/association.

Why invest in RPAC? When 54,000 New York REALTOR members support/oppose a measure in Albany, it's difficult for our elected leaders to ignore that cry. By investing in RPAC you help to protect the interests of the real estate industry and private property owners.RPAC Major Donor RecognitionOn behalf of New York's 54,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks the following members for being major donors in 2010: Click here for List Real Results - Monumental achievements in 2008As a result of persistent REALTOR grassroots advocacy efforts and the support of REALTOR friendly law makers, two of NYSAR's top priority bills were signed into law in 2008:

Another key success for New York's REALTORS was the passage of legislation to make the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA) permanent. NYPIUA is a property insurer of last resort used in the state's coastal areas, effective June 2008.

Protecting REALTOR LivelihoodNYSAR and RPAC also made great strides defeating the following proposals that would have attacked the livelihood of New York REALTORS across the state:

• A proposal that would have required brokers to verify zoning compliance of their listings.
• A proposal that would have required real estate agents to provide a potential purchaser of real property that is served by a private well with educational materials provided by the NYS Department of Health.
• A proposal that would have restricted a broker's business area to the county in which they reside or have an office.
• A proposal that would have extended the agriculture district notice to buyers of real property located within 500 feet of the boundary of an agricultural district.

Key Issues NYSAR and Your RPAC Dollars are Targeting in 2010:

• Fighting an necessary proposal to increase state wetlands oversight.
• Fighting for property tax reform and relief.
• Opposing legislation that would require a home "loan counseling disclosure notice" be provided by real estate brokers at the time of contract for the sale of commercial or residential property.
• Supporting legislation to make revisions to agency disclosure requirements.
• Supporting legislation to improve and streamline the property condition disclosure statement.
• Fighting a proposal to impose the mortgage recording tax on cooperative housing transactions.
• Fighting a new legislative proposal that would prohibit "exclusive" brokerage agreements between brokers and sellers of residential housing within New York City.
• Improving access to affordable health care for all New York REALTORS.
• Fighting against mortgage recording taxes and transfer taxes on a local and statewide level.

RPAC on the National Level:RPAC has made significant strides on the National level, including the most recent accomplishment in the fight to keep banks out of real estate. President Barack Obama recently signed into law a bill that included NAR's "Community in Choice Real Estate Act," which permanently bans national banks from engaging in real estate brokerage and property management.Additional Issues RPAC is Advocating for in Washington include:

• Protecting the deductibility of home mortgage interest and local property taxes.
• Ensuring viability and liquidity at Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac.
• Fighting for health insurance for REALTORS.

Local Board RPAC ManualTo view a practical guide for the proper administration of the REALTORS Political Action Committee, please click here.

As always, feel free to contact NYSAR Government Affairs with specific questions or concerns about RPAC at 518-463-0300 x217 or govt@nysar.com

Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS, the New York State Association of REALTORS or any of its local boards or associations will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your NYSAR PAC reaches its PAC goal 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after NYSAR PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.