A Very Busy August
Washington DC can become a sleepy town in August. Members of Congress are in their home states, the president goes on vacation, and the normal hustle and bustle of life in the nation’s capital eases up. This was not the case at CAI as members took full advantage of their federal representatives being home to organize meetings in support of CAI’s August Advocacy Campaign.
CAI members from Arizona, California, South Carolina, and other states met with their U.S. Representatives and Senators to discuss two important issues for community associations. CAI is seeking changes to federal disaster recovery rules so community associations are eligible for federal assistance when clearing roads and waterways after a presidentially declared natural disaster. CAI is also asking Congress to be mindful of community association concerns like condominium approvals in the debate on the future of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
CAI was also hard at work in Washington DC, fanning out over Capitol Hill to educate key staff for members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the need to ensure fairness in disaster assistance for community association homeowners. The House Transportation Committee has jurisdiction over the Stafford Act, the federal law that governs the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
CAI was not the only organization working hard over August as six federal regulators released long-awaited revisions to a major mortgage regulatory proposal. Known as the Qualified Residential Mortgage or QRM rule, federal banking regulators significantly revised proposed mortgage standards that had been cause for concern for many CAI members. CAI has the new proposal under review and based on member feedback will submit public comments to federal regulators in October.
On the local government level, CAI’s Legislative Action Committees began to gear up for an election-year legislative session. This will be a very busy and trying 2014, as state legislators hope to conciliate constituents by supporting issues seen as noncontroversial and dodging issues seen as contentious in order to earn reelection. The committees began carefully strategizing a balanced approach to proactively support priorities while preparing to respond to unforeseen legislation.
Ultimately, the most important and persuasive voice in advocacy is the voice of a CAI member. Your phone calls, emails, letters, and meetings with elected officials have a significant impact on public policy. Use CAI’s Advocacy Center to make sure your voice is heard and always let the Government and Public Affairs team know how to best assist you.
CAI Government Affairs represents the interests of the 63.4 million people living and working in America’s community associations on legislative and regulatory issues at the local, state, and federal level of government. Contact CAI’s Government Affairs Department at government@caionline.org or (888) 224-4321 with any questions.
Community Associations Institute (CAI) | 6402 Arlington Blvd., Ste 500, Falls Church, VA 22042 | www.caionline.org | 888.224.4321
