NAHB announces 2006 legislative priorities

According to a Jan. 11 NAHB news release, issues, and efforts, by topic are:

Government-sponsored enterprises: NAHB will work to ensure that any congressional effort to revamp the regulatory structure of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the federal home loan banks would preserve their vital housing mission while strengthening and safeguarding their financial health.

Tax reform: NAHB will call on Washington policymakers who set forth any new tax proposals to protect current tax incentives that will spur homeownership and rental housing initiatives.

Storm water: NAHB will urge the Congress to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to reform the federal storm. water permitting system. Storm-water regulations that are simple, flexible and fair will encourage compliance and ultimately do more to protect the nation's waters.

Immigration: The House of Representatives on Dec. 16 passed the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, which focuses on border security and punitive enforcement penalties for employers and fails to include a guest worker program that would help meet the work force needs of employers nationwide. The legislation would impose fines of as much as $25,000 per worker for anyone who hires an undocumented worker. NAHB will continue to work with members in the Senate to urge them to oppose mandatory employer verification requirements and punitive penalties.

Endangered Species Act reform: NAHB supports H.R. 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act, which cleared the House in September. The measure would strengthen existing law by enhancing species conservation and protection efforts, eliminating excessive environmental regulation and giving private landowners incentives to enact voluntary conservation measures. NAHB will work this year to pass similar legislation in the Senate.

Association Health Plans: Last summer, the House passed the Small Business Health Fairness Act. The bill would help address the rising number of the uninsured and skyrocketing cost of health care by allowing small businesses to band together through associations to purchase quality health care at a lower cost. NAHB will urge the Senate to pass a companion bill this year.

[[In-content Ad]]