Report From Realtors' Legislative Day

I joined over 2,000 Realtors and affiliates from California gathered in Sacramento on yesterday. SILVAR, our local association, sent over 55 members to the capital for the event, which is organized by the California Association of REALTORS®. Realtors make up one of the largest groups that hit Sacramento every year

We first gathered at the Convention Center in the morning (Our bus left Cupertino at 6:00 AM!) to listen to greetings and a Hot Issues Briefing from C.A.R. officials. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was out of town, also greeted Realtors by video.

C.A.R. President Colleen Badagliacco said, “Attending Legislative Day is a tremendous investment in your business. … It’s an opportunity to let our legislators know what works and what doesn’t work.”
We also heard from Senator Lou Correa, whose bill SB 670 sought to prohibit private transfer taxes did not make it through the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee.

The impact of political participation was emphasized during the morning gathering. .

The day proved to be one in which Realtors got the opportunity to witness legislators at work, and because of this, Realtors were not able to personally meet with all of their representatives. The Assembly was in session, and legislators were scheduled to discuss 125 bills that day, which meant they would be working till late in the evening.
SILVAR members met with staff members of Assemblymember Sally Lieber, Senator Elaine Alquist and Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, and they were able to personally meet with Senator Joe Simitian, who comes from Palo Alto.

Staff members of Assembly representatives met with us and assured us that they would report our concerns to the representatives. They also noted it’s important to let the legislators know about their concerns. A staff member of Senator Elaine Alquist said the Senator was impressed when her office received 60 phone calls regarding her need to oppose SB 464 (Kuehl).
“Let them know we represent people looking for the American dream. Let them know we are watching and we are not going to go away,” C.A.R. officials said.

More on the important issues we discussed in tomorrow's post.