Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) was named the 2008 Federal Official of the Year for his leadership during the 110th Congress in developing and passing legislation crucial to the home building industry. As chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Frank has worked to provide reasonably-priced, affordable mortgage solutions to millions of potential home owners while greatly enhancing liquidity in the mortgage credit markets.

Frank has also led efforts to modernize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and reform the regulatory structure for the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) – Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks.

Arkansas State Representatives Johnny Hoyt and Lance Reynolds were jointly awarded the 2008 State Officials of the Year.

Representative Reynolds was instrumental in the passage of legislation (HR 2361) that classifies the theft of building materials worth $500 or more from a permitted site a Class B felony. By making such theft a Class B felony, the law reduces theft of all types of construction site material.

Representative Hoyt was instrumental in passing legislation (HR 1456) that allows builders in Arkansas to use PEX piping under slab in residential construction. This reduces materials costs and, more importantly, reduces copper theft and costs associated with repair due to theft. The law helps lower costs for builders and the home buyers they serve.

For his role in championing his economic stimulus package, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle was honored as the 2008 Local Official of the Year.  The city of Anaheim, Calif. recently enacted a comprehensive economic stimulus package that included several major actions — impact fee payments, first-time home buyer assistance, green building assistance, the development of affordable housing units and the authorization of a directional sign program designed to direct potential residents to new home developments — aimed at reviving residential construction.

Equally important to the scope of the stimulus proposal is its timing. Because of the downturn, new construction in Anaheim has slowed considerably, which has had a ripple effect on everything from the furniture industry to the auto industry and countless local small businesses.

In addition to elected officials, the following NAHB members received awards, including:

2008 Government Affairs Program
MBA of King and Snohomish Counties
Washington

2008 Government Affairs Program
Oregon Builders Association

2008 BuilderLink Staff Advisor of the Year
Flora Schmidt
HBA of Iowa

2008 BuilderLink Ambassador of the Year
Eugene Graf III
Montana

2008 BuilderLink “Call To Action” Award
Florida

2008 BUILD-PAC Champion of the Year
Barry Rutenberg
Florida

2008 BUILD-PAC State Event of the Year
HBA of Central Arizona

2008 BUILD-PAC Associate of the Year
Michael Kurpiel
New Jersey

2008 BUILD-PAC Associate of the Year
Rick Shields
North Carolina

For more information on the Government Affairs Recognition Awards, contact Beth Ambrose at (202) 266-8253.

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