NAHB Applauds Sens. Menendez and Isakson for Legislation to Spur Construction Lending

NAHB Press Release

WASHINGTON, May 22 - The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today applauded Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) for introducing bipartisan legislation to encourage residential construction lending, spur job growth and keep the housing and economic recovery on track.

"Sens. Menendez and Isakson know that a robust housing market is vital to generate jobs and maintain a vibrant economy," said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C. "This bill will help builders access the credit they need to construct new homes in a growing number of markets that need and want them."

S. 1002, the Home Building Lending Improvement Act of 2013, would discourage lenders from calling construction loans where payments are current and establish regulatory guidelines to allow the banking industry to restore lending for viable home building projects.

The legislation to resolve the ongoing credit problems for home builders is similar to House bill H.R. 1255, the Home Construction Lending Regulatory Improvement Act of 2013, which was introduced earlier this year by Reps. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.).

The nationwide inventory of completed newly built homes is extremely low due to the limited amount of new home construction that took place during the economic recession. During this time, college graduates were forced to move back in with their parents and others doubled or tripled up in residences rather than renting separate apartments.

It is estimated that roughly 2 million household formations were delayed as a result of recent economic conditions.

Housing stands ready to serve as an engine of economic job, Judson said, noting that whenever new homes are built, new jobs are created and a permanent source of ongoing revenue for local, state and federal government spring to life.

NAHB estimates that constructing 100 new single-family homes generates more than 300 full-time jobs and $8.9 million in federal, state and local tax revenues.

"With housing and the economy now on the mend, there is pent up demand for homes in many parts of the country," said Judson. "By helping to restore the flow of credit to home builders, S. 1002 will help meet this growing demand, put Americans back to work and strengthen our communities by increasing the property tax base that supports local schools, teachers, police, firefighters and public services."

It's not too late to enter the 2013 Stew Challenge!

BIA Annual Legislative Night & Stew Challenge

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: St. Andrew's Priory, Ylang Ylang Courtyard

 

Stew Team FAQ:

Q: Is there a fee to enter?
A: No, it is FREE for up to 3 team members.  Any additional are $15 per person.

Q: Do we make the stew there?
A: No, you prepare your stew ahead of time.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: BIA provides a 6-foot table, propane burners, paper plates, stew cups, spoons, napkins, rice, salad, and dessert.  A 5-gallon pot is available for pick-up from BIA office in Waipahu.  You need to bring your stew, a ladle, and any condiments (i.e. nuts, corn bread, crackers, etc.).

Q: Will we be judged?
A: Yes, entries will be judged on taste, originality and theme.  Company signage and theme decorations are encouraged.

Enter a Stew Team here, or Register to Attend here

 

2012 Stew Challenge Winners:

 1st Place - Honolulu Star-Advertiser's "Paniolo Stew"

 2nd Place & People's Choice - The Gas Company's "Rockin' Lobster Stew"

 3rd Place - Breezway North America's "Roo Stew"

 Best Theme - D.R. Horton, Schuler Division's "Green Peas and Spam"

2013 Shinnen Enkai and New Year Celebration

Come join BIA-Hawaii to celebrate the New Year and the 2013 Legislative Session with other construction industry leaders and public officials at the Construction Industry Council of Hawaii’s (CICH) Traditional Shinnen Enkai or New Year’s Celebration, Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at the Mandalay Restaurant, 1055 Alakea Street, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your counterparts in the industry and with the legislators who will be driving the important issues during the coming session. CICH is proud to continue the Shinnen Enkai tradition, begun by the Construction Industry Legislative Organization (CILO). The CICH serves as the umbrella organization for construction groups in Hawai‘i’s building industry.

RSVP by February 8, 2013. For questions, please contact Ms. Gladys Quinto Marrone at gqm@biahawaii.org or (808) 629-7509.

BIA-Hawaii Legislative Day

It's that time of year again! BIA Hawaii is holding its 2013 Legislative Day breakfast on Monday, January 14, two days prior to the Legislature's opening day on January 16.

The purpose of our Legislative Day is to share with our membership our legislative priorities and to provide a brief orientation of the legislative process. Legislators will then be stopping by and it will be a great opportunity to get to know them, especially since there are so many new faces. They will each receive a packet that includes our legislative priorities, so these may be topics of conversation.

BIA-Hawaii Legislative Day
Monday, January 14, 2013
8:00am to 10:30am, Capitol Room 229

Parking is metered under the Capitol, with the entrance off of Miller Street, directly across the Queen's Medical Center, off of Punchbowl Street.

Breakfast will be provided.

There is strength in numbers, and legislators recognize that. I hope you will make every effort to attend this event. RSVP by Friday, January 11 to Gladys Marrone via phone 808-847-4666 or email at gqm@biahawaii.org