We know that you are all concerned about the wellbeing of our members affected by Wednesday's storm. We have been able to get in touch with many of our local associations in those affected areas and so far, thankfully, have not heard of any fatalities or serious injuries among our members and their families.

The HBAA has spoken with Governor Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange and they are working with us to get the word out to consumers about the need to use licensed, professional contractors. We've crafted Public Service Announcements that they will each be recording next week to be broadcast throughout the affected areas of the state. 

Several of you have contacted us asking how you can help. At this time, the damage is still being assessed and we do not yet have specifics on needs of labor, materials and other supplies. As we become aware of specific needs we will pass that information on to you.

In the meantime, here are some ways that you can help:

· The Alabama Home Builders Foundation is accepting donations that will go directly to local HBAs in storm-affected areas. You may make checks payable to Alabama Home Builders Foundation, and mail to: Alabama Home Builders Foundation, ATTN: Storm Relief, P.O. Box 241305, Montgomery, AL 36124-1305.

· If you hear of any members who suffered damage or loss, please contact Lisa Watkins (lisawatkins@hbaa.org; 1-800-745-4222) so that we can keep track of needs and notify our members as to how they can help.

The HBAA has several resources in its Disaster Recovery section of the website, including links to FEMA and HUD.  Residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance from FEMA by registering online or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Finally, please continue to keep all of our affected members and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

The HBAA-backed HB 179 (Williams, Birmingham) is slated to be number four on Tuesday's special order calendar in the House.  The bill is designed to change the tax classification on homes under construction, after construction, and the underlying lot as residential, thus reducing the tax burden from 20% valuation to 10%.   The HBAA would like to thank Representative Randy Wood (Anniston) and Representative Richard Laird (Roanoke) for their collaborative effort to get the bill's number four placement on Thursday's proposed calendar.  Due to the storms, the bill will be on Tuesday's calendar.