GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Penny Tax Improvements and NAR Legislation Meetings By: Max Brandow, RASM Vice President of Advocacy and Member Programs
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he Penny Tax in Sarasota County has existed for 32 years, and in that time, every one of our citizens have benefited in some way from this penny tax. We’ve seen increased funding for water quality improvements, renourished our beaches, constructed hurricane shelters, and increased funding for emergency vehicle technology, which has resulted in quicker response times for residents in emergency situations.
PENNY TAX ON THE BALLOT This penny surtax in Sarasota County is on the ballot again this November, and it’s imperative we support this essential funding source for our community. The great thing about the surtax is that the cost doesn’t fall solely on residents’ shoulders; tourists and visitors in Sarasota County provide over 20% of the funds collected from Penny for Improvements. It sustains and improves public safety, water quality, environment, traffic congestion, parks, and more. This is a true quality of life initiative, and the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee is proud to support this campaign. For more information on this important issue head over to www.pennyforimprovements.com, or reach out to me at Maxwell@myrasm.com.
RASM MEMBERS ATTEND NAR LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS TO DISCUSS TOP FEDERAL ISSUES RASM Members and Realtors® throughout the country traveled to Washington, D.C. this month to discuss top federal issues and attend legislative and economic updates from industry experts. The profound importance and powerful impact of NAR’s advocacy work have become increasingly clear over the last several years. The Realtors® Legislative Meetings allow us to build on that momentum and continue the critical policy conversations among
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Realtors®, lawmakers, and industry leaders. The top federal issues NAR and RASM are watching this year are fair housing, flood insurance, protections for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, improving transportation and infrastructure, and tweaking the VA home loan guarantee program to make the program accessible to all eligible veteran borrowers.
SAVE THE DATE: MAJOR INVESTOR PLEDGE PARTY The RASM RPAC Committee would like to invite all RPAC Major Investors and Major Investor Pledges to a special night out at Sarasota Waterworks on September 26. This event will feature special guests and speakers and will give RASM an opportunity to thank all our members who are on the frontlines of our advocacy efforts. Those who pledge to become RPAC Major Investors in 2022 can be on the lookout for more information about this great party coming up. •
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Source: Florida REALTORS®
