By Derenda Updegrave, PAR Director of Public Policy and Political Affairs
It's been a roller coaster the last several weeks. Senators and representatives were working to get things passed before leaving for the summer break. And that means anything - and I do mean anything - can happen!
Meeting with legislators in the Capitol, we expected some bills to move and others to be put on the back burner as legislators focused their efforts on the budget and a few other key issues.
What was a surprise was when a last minute amendment to Senate Bill 1, the transportation funding bill was added. Rep. Dick Hess (R-Bedford), chair of House Transportation Committee, proposed an amendment that includes authorizing counties to choose from a menu of taxes they can implement to pay for roads and bridges by increasing: local portion of the realty transfer tax by .5 percent; personal income tax by .2 percent; or local sales and use tax by .25 percent.
Of course, we worked to get the word out to our members as quickly as possible so they were aware of the realty transfer tax issue and could help defeat the possible increase. A rapid response was incredibly important on this issue.
The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®' members made quite an impression on legislators when nearly 2,500 REALTORS® responded to our Call to Action fighting the increase to the realty transfer tax. Several legislators talked to us about the emails and social media coverage on this issue. Thanks to your efforts, the bill was tabled for now.
These rapidly changing issues remind us of how legislative issues can come up with little notice. And they remind us what a difference your voice can make when Realtors® work together.
We expect we may have to continue the fight against the realty transfer tax in the fall - watch for updates when the legislature returns. Until then, we're going to enjoy the quieter ride!
During the PAR Board of Directors Meeting on June 5, the following members were approved for REALTOR® Emeritus status:
