NBN Online for the week of May 28, 2007

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In This Issue:

Front Page
Bid to Require Fire Sprinklers Defeated at Code Hearings
ICC Hearings Decide on CO Alarms, Foundation Wall Anchors and More
2007 National Membership Day Sets New Record, 11,845
$1.2 Million Still Available in ‘Buy Now’ Grant Funds, Apply Today
Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published June 4 or June 11
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: Personal Outdoor Living Space As You Like It
Coast to Coast
America’s Most Overpriced Home Markets
Housing Forum
Letter to the Editor: Snow Shovels in Miami
Letter to the Editor: Don't Reward Illegal Immigrants
Politics & Government
House Approves Sound GSE Regulatory Reform Bill
Immigration Bill Provokes Flurry of Amendments
Tax Credit Reforms Needed to Spur Affordable Rental Housing
New Law Suspends HUD Investor Approval Process
Tax Breaks, New Minimum Wage, Katrina Relief in War Bill
Economics & Finance
New Home Sales Up an Unexpected 16.2% in April
New Jersey Tops in Property Taxes, Louisiana Among Lowest
Eye on the Economy: 2007 Housing Outlook Weakens
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: A Temporary Extension for Table-Saw Tops
Sales
A Coastal-Inspired Upscale Getaway Near Washington, D.C.
50Plus Housing
Retiring Boomers to Hasten Search for New Tax Revenue
Register Onsite for the 50+ Housing Symposium in Denver
June 1 Deadline for NAHB/AARP Livable Communities Awards
Multifamily
Builders Upbeat as Rental Demand Outpaces Supply
Financial Viability of Affordable Housing Threatened
Custom
Register for Custom Builder Symposium in Naples, Fla.
Education
Education Calendar
Design
Sustainable Communities on Design Institute Tour
Orlando HBA Redecorates Guest Room in Ronald McDonald House
Green Building
HBAs Pursue Green Marketing to Boost Consumer Interest
Green Standard Committee Preparing for July Meeting
Environment
Seminar Helps Builders Comply With Stormwater Rules
Regulation
Flood Maps Being Redrawn With ‘Unscientific’ Data
Codes and Standards
Changes to Building Envelope Standard Raise Concerns
Construction Safety
OSHA Appeals Ruling Against ‘Multi-Employer’ Citations
Consumer Deck Safety Effort Includes 10-Point Checklist
Legal
Register for Upcoming Construction Law Seminar
Disaster Relief
Residents Warned to Prepare for Busy Hurricane Season
Workforce housing
June 14 Symposium Looks at Safeguarding Homeownership
Building Products
Dow Foam Filler Used for Water Features and Insulation
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV and DIY This Week
Endowment
Endowment Funds ‘Building Communities of Our Own’
Operation Forever Free Honored For Helping Injured Veterans
Association News
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Spring Board Meeting Set for June 5-10
Free NAHB ‘Homeownership Month’ Kit Available Online
NAHB Career Center: For a True Competitive Edge
Save 30% on Biz Forms and Checks
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

Letter to the Editor: Snow Shovels in Miami

Letter to the Editor: Don't Reward Illegal Immigrants

Dear Editor:

As a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah, Ga., I would like to express my opposition to the pending legislation discussed in “Builders Call for Major Overhaul of Immigration Bill,” May 21, 2007. However, my reasons for opposing the legislation differ from those mentioned by NAHB in the article.

I oppose any and all attempts to reward people who have illegally entered this country by giving them citizenship, irrespective of whether they must jump through some government-imposed hoops to qualify. I strongly support measures to substantially secure the borders before there is any type of new program for guest workers. I do not support a major effort on the part of our government to round up and deport thousands of illegal aliens currently working in the U.S. (although our government is not efficient enough to do this even if it wanted to). I do support legal sanctions against employers who do not properly verify the legal status of their workers, but I do agree with you that contractors should not be responsible for verifying the legal status of their subcontractors’ employees.

The proposed legislation is fatally flawed and needs to be re-written with substantial input from the American people, which this closed-door legislation certainly did not have. This country’s culture in 25 years is resting on the outcome of this battle to gain control of illegal immigration. For the past 30 years, the waves of illegal immigrants have been massive, preventing their assimilation and resulting in the partial "Balkanization" of this country. The future political, financial, and social framework of this country are also now at grave risk while we await a solution to this illegal immigration problem.

Eric E. Hogan
Hogan Development Corporation
Tybee Island, Ga.


 

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