Monday Morning Briefing Letter - 04/14/2008 (Plain Text Version)

By Sandy Dunn, NAHB President and
Jerry Howard, NAHB Executive VP and CEO

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Legislation to address the housing crisis and economic slowdown

advanced in both chambers of Congress this week as NAHB continued working with lawmakers on a bipartisan basis to formulate the most effective final bill possible.

"The bills passed this morning by the full Senate and yesterday by the House Ways and Means Committee are an important step in the process of enacting comprehensive housing legislation that will shore up housing and the economy," said NAHB EVP & CEO Jerry Howard in an official statement issued April 10. The Senate's Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 and the House Ways and Means Committee's Housing Assistance Act of 2008 each contain several provisions that will help home buyers, home owners, strapped borrowers facing foreclosure, state and local governments experiencing budget woes, veterans and businesses suffering losses in the current economic climate. But one provision stands out as the most effective means to boost housing demand and stabilize the market – specifically, a temporary tax credit for the purchase of a home. NAHB continues to urge lawmakers to keep this in mind as the House and Senate work to reconcile their different versions of housing stimulus legislation. Stay tuned to this report and NBN Online for updates. Contacts: Rob Dietz (x8285), Greg Brown (x8421)

NAHB Member Benefit: NAHB has been actively engaged throughout the process of negotiations on a housing stimulus package, conducting vigorous lobbying activities as well as significant media outreach to drum up support for top housing priorities to be included in the final legislation. Going forward, we will continue to work toward the achievement of the best possible bill for home buyers and builders that has the best chance of shoring up the ailing housing market and economy as quickly as possible.

The controversial "no-match" rule is back

in the news now that the Department of Homeland Security has re-issued it in a March 26 proposal in the Federal Register. The original rule, which would compel employers to fire workers who are unable after 93 days to resolve a mismatch between their name and Social Security number, was vigorously opposed by a coalition of civil rights organizations, businesses, labor groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with support from NAHB. It was scheduled to go into effect last September but was withdrawn with the DHS's promise to reissue it after making revisions designed to address the concerns raised by the federal court that had issued an injunction against it. The content of the "supplemental proposed rule" is the same as the original, with the exception of a few minor "clarifications." The DHS is reportedly still analyzing the measure's regulatory burden, although preliminary estimates say it would cost businesses between $3,000 and $33,000 annually, depending on the number of employees. However, the proposal is currently subject to a complete "start from scratch" rule-making process, including a public comment period.

NAHB Member Benefit: NAHB members are encouraged to submit their comments on the rule and its impact on your business by the deadline of April 25. To submit comments, click here to the go to The Federal Rulemaking Portal, then follow the online instructions for submitting comments. In the meantime, the federal injunction barring implementation of the original rule and the mailing of no-match letters remains in effect. For more info, contact David Crump, x8491. For assistance in submitting comments, contact A.J. Holliday at x8305. [return to top]

A key proponent of allowing builders to carry back their losses

over a greater number of years is Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), who, in a recent NBN Online exclusive, described her strong endorsement of the measure within stimulus legislation now being considered in Congress. The Senator writes that "Passing a net operating loss carry-back provision would provide immediate relief for companies as a rebate on taxes paid in previous years and provide needed access to cash in a down period, which will spur growth." Further, she said, "the benefit to claim these losses is already allowed on a carry forward basis. Changing the timing of this benefit to help home builders at a time when they need it most is sound tax policy, and one I strongly endorse." Hutchison chairs the Republican Policy Committee and is the senior senator from Texas. Read her complete comments here. [return to top]

Get ready for Spring Board and the Legislative Conference!

The following schedule of events is a partial listing provided as a notice for the upcoming NAHB Board of Directors meeting and Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 29 – May 3, 2008. Meetings will be held at the National Housing Center, the Hilton Washington Hotel and the AED Conference Center (across from the Hilton). The spring board program will identify the exact time and place of each scheduled meeting.

Tuesday, April 29
National Vice Presidents
State Representatives
Joint National Vice Presidents/State Representatives
Executive Board

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Legislative Conference Issues Briefing and Hill Visits

Thursday, May 1, 2008
Committees, Subcommittees, Councils, Affiliates, etc.
NAHB Past Presidents’ Council
NHC Board of Governors
Nominations Committee

Friday, May 2, 2008
Committees, Subcommittees, Councils, Affiliates, etc.

Saturday, May 3, 2008
Area Caucuses 1-15
Joint Executive, Budget and Resolutions Committees
Board of Directors
Hall of Fame Induction

More information on Board of Directors events and registration is available on nahb.org. For details on the Legislative Conference, contact Molly Murray, x8282. [return to top]

The biggest NAHB National Green Building Conference yet

is expected to draw record attendance this coming May 11-13 in New Orleans. Featuring more than 60 cutting-edge education sessions, tours, and exhibitions of the latest green products and building techniques, the conference is a must-attend event for anyone who's interested in environmentally sensitive home building. Building professionals attending this 10th annual event will learn about the new ANSI National Green Building Standard and how to get involved in the NAHB National Green Building Program. They'll also be able to work toward achieving a Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, which more than 200 builders have now completed.

NAHB Member Benefit: The conference is partnering with Rebuilding Together New Orleans and the Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium on a special community service project in which symposium attendees can help rehabilitate homes in New Orleans that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Visit www.nahb.org/GreenBuildingConference for more information. Contact: Calli Schmidt (x8132). [return to top]