Weekly Update from HBA of Chester/Delaware Counties

July 31, 2008 "Building Better Communities Together"

HBA WEEKLY UPDATE

Attention Members

As you begin receiving your 2009 health insurance renewal rates keep in mind as a member of the HBA you have access to health insurance and worker's compensation programs. Many members have reported significant cost savings with these programs.

For more information on the health insurance program please contact Diana Corson, Builders Benefits, dcorson@buildersbenefits.com

Contact HBA staff for information on the worker's compensation programs, (610) 692-7733.

NEWS

Bush signs housing bill to provide mortgage relief
By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Wednesday signed a massive housing bill intended to provide mortgage relief for 400,000 struggling homeowners and stabilize financial markets.
Bush signed the bill without any fanfare or signing ceremony, affixing his signature to the measure he once threatened to veto, in the Oval Office in the early morning hours. He was surrounded by top administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Housing Secretary Steve Preston.

More...

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Government Affairs on the HBA Website

Check out the new Government Affairs Section of our website. hopefully, you will find the new presentation and content more user-friendly. You will need your username and password to access the section, contact the HBA for this information. Be sure to check out the recently assed sections:

Federal and State: updated informations about new first homebuyer tax credit and and analysis of priority legislation.
Legal: updated Land Use Case information
What's New?: this section will be updated and new information is added! One location to check what's been added to the site since your last visit.

Please Contact Bridget Scanlon with any questions at bridgets@builderpa.com

Confused about TMDLs?

Don Curley, P.C., will be attending the next Legislative Action Committee Meeting on Tuesday, August 12th at 8:00 AM to present on pollution trading and TMDLs. He will be providing an:

Overview of Market Mechanisms
Historical Perspectives for using Market
Mechanisms for Air and Water Pollution Control
Role of TMDL
Application to Runoff

HBA created legislation signed by Governor Rendell

Due to the efforts of the Legal Task Force, ACT 39 (HB 1329) and ACT 40 (HB 1330), which provide fixes to the Glen-Gery and Luke v. Cataldi decisions, were signed into law last week.

ACT 39 (HB 1329) Amends the MPC providing for optional notice of ordinance or decision and procedural validity challenges; further providing for ordinance provisions and for jurisdiction of the zoning hearing board and the court of common please in challenges to the validity of an ordinance for procedural defects in the process of enactment.

ACT 40 (HB 1330) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for appeals generally and for appeals from ordinances, resolutions, maps, ect.

Full text versions of these laws will be available on the HBA website.

EVENTS/PROGRAMS

CSP I: Certified New Home Sales Professional

Suburban West Realtors Association

August 12, 19, 26th

9am-5pm

Earn your CSP designation (must attend all three sessions)

Green Building for Building Professionals (2 day course)

Dewey Companies

September 10th-11th

9am-5pm

Open to builders and associates

Designations: CGA, CGB