Leadership Team Advocates on Top Issues in Washington

New Jersey Realtors® Leadership Team recently set out on their yearly trip to Washington D.C. for meetings with the state’s Congressional delegation. There, they addressed crucial topics impacting Realtors® and the people they serve. These meetings, conducted either with members of Congress or senior staffers, are essential to establishing and maintaining relationships to allow New Jersey Realtors® to affect meaningful change at the federal level.

This year, the leadership team focused on a range of important issues, including the housing shortage and housing affordability, fair housing initiatives, independent contractor status, and the invaluable research products provided by the National Association of Realtors® to guide policy making. They also notified the congressional offices of their upcoming return in May for the annual Realtors® Legislative Meetings and hill visits.

2024 Hill Visit Agenda

Housing Shortage and Housing Affordability

NAR and New Jersey Realtors® have continuously advocated for legislation and initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing issues of the housing shortage and affordability. The historic 50-year shortage of affordable homes for purchase has significantly restricted access to the residential real estate market. Addressing this housing shortage is critical to making homes more affordable.

Fair Housing Initiatives

NAR understands the value of an inclusive housing market, which safeguards consumers and communities while also benefiting the American economy. Per NAR, Realtors® advocate for the reauthorization and increased funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development fair housing enforcement programs. NAR actively encourages these members to cosponsor the Fair and Equal Housing Act, which would extend protections under the Fair Housing Act to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity.

Independent Contractor Status

New Jersey Realtors® urges these members to endorse H.R. 5419, known as the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act, emphasizing the importance of unified support for this legislative initiative. This important legislation proposes to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, specifically focusing on refining the definition concerning direct sellers and real estate professionals. By aligning the FLSA with the Internal Revenue Code, this bill aims to provide clarity and consistency in defining direct sellers and qualified real estate agents as independent contractors under both statutes. The New Jersey Realtors® Leadership Team is extremely grateful to the members of Congress and their dedicated staff for taking the time to engage in these important conversations. This year, the team met with the member or staff members from the offices of:

• Sen. Cory Booker

• Sen. Robert Menendez

• Rep. Donald Norcross—District 1

• Rep. Jeff Van Drew—District 2

• Rep. Andy Kim—District 3

• Rep. Chris Smith—District 4

• Rep. Josh Gottheimer—District 5

• Rep. Frank Pallone—District 6

• Rep. Tom Kean Jr.—District 7

• Rep. Rob Menendez—District 8

• Rep. Bill Pascrell—District 9

• Rep. Donald Payne Jr.—District 10

• Rep. Mikie Sherrill—District 11

• Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman—District 12