Our first-ever virtual REALTORS® Legislative Meetings are coming to a close with more than 26,000 registered attendees! I want to thank you for participation and feedback throughout these uncertain times. On behalf of the NAR Leadership Team when I say we’re grateful for being with all of you, even if it was virtually.
Across the country, millions of people are fighting for their health. They’re fighting for their livelihoods. And, in the case of so many of you, they’re fighting for the stability and the future of the communities they call home. All of us have been touched by this pandemic.
Throughout this crisis, your Leadership Team and the NAR staff have been working tirelessly – even through office closures and city lockdowns – to support you the entire way. The role that each of you plays, and the role that NAR will continue to play on your behalf, is more important now than ever.
Rest assured that NAR’s Advocacy Team continues to work hard on Capitol Hill, and with state and local associations, to ensure that economic stimulus packages provide relief to REALTORS® and their families. Our advocacy activities are unrivaled, and we’ve had substantial successes at a time when there is fierce competition among groups to be heard.
We’ve seen this in the CARES Act, which contained numerous benefits for REALTORS that NAR fought hard for during the past several weeks. It included:
- Unemployment eligibility for the self-employed and independent contractors, who are not usually covered under traditional state unemployment benefit programs.
- An employee retention tax credit, estimated to provide $50 billion to companies that retain existing employees.
- A delay in business payroll tax payments.
- Unprecedented aid — nearly $350 billion—in loans for small businesses that can be used for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and payroll costs.
In addition, when funding for the Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loans programs ran out last month, NAR’s advocacy team continued to push Congress to take quick action to appropriate more funds for the both.
As the nation works its way out of this pandemic, and we prepare for a major election year for all three levels of government – our advocacy work and our unified voice is more important than ever. Be sure you are registered to vote and that your registration information is up to date. We encourage you to contact your state board of elections for the latest updates on election days and voting processes.
NAR will continue to be on the frontlines with you, every step of the way, protecting and defending what home means and ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our industry thrives in this new landscape.
Our industry has faced tough times before. Yet, each time, NAR and REALTORS® have worked together to rebuild and continue our work to protect the American Dream.
We have no doubt we will prevail again. In the meantime, stay tuned to nar.realtor/coronavirus for the latest information and updates on the impact to our industry, our businesses, and our clients.
2020 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings Videos
Missed a session during the 2020 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings? Don’t worry. Watch session replays today!
Additional replay videos to be posted as they become available on 2020.legislative.realtor.
Comment(1)-
Pat Widhalm says
atI took the opportunity to watch several of the 2020 legislative sessions. They were well done in every case. In view of our inability to be physically present for these sessions, I am grateful for the remote participation made available to us. Thank you for the efforts and the expertise of all who made this legislative session accessible.