Policy Recap & Upcoming Opportunities
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Outlook: short term and long term
The Tennessee General Assembly is marching towards the end of the 2021 session. This week both the House & Senate are expected to adopt a finalized budget. Tennessee is fortunate. We are one of a handful of states who are revenue positive. In fact we have a healthy surplus this year, due to aggressive cuts made at the start of the pandemic.
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In the months ahead your local governments will be receiving an influx of federal corona-virus relief funding from the American Rescue Plan. Our local governments in Tennessee should receive $20+ billion in funds from the American Rescue Plan stimulus. This is in addition to the $35 billion already committed by five other federal funding packages approved since March 2020. This flood of one-time federal money poses challenges and opportunities for our elected officials to make long-term investments.
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The Big Idea.
Communities should invest these funds to repair and upgrade their local water and wastewater infrastructure. This is an approved use, and these “invisible” improvements will pay for themselves in the long run. It is better to make the long overdue upgrades today, when funds are available then to wait and have to fix an emergency breakage when money is tight.
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Certainly, water infrastructure investments would be wiser use than spending the majority of the money for services and programs that will only last one year.
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Action Item: HBAT encourages you to speak to your mayor, local alderman, city councilman, and county commissioners on this matter. Press them to commit to spending their portion of the one-time money on capital investments. We believe major water and wastewater improvements will pay dividends for the next 50 years.
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We interrupt this email…
Asking you to thank our Annual Sponsors for their support in 2021.
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HBAT’s Mission:
Our primary mission to provide a unified voice to our membership at the state legislature and state regulatory agencies. Specifically, our leadership works to defeat legislation that is hostile to our industry. We also advocate for policies that helps our industry thrive and become a stronger contributor to Tennessee’s economy.
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Planning for 2022+
The Deadline for Legislative Proposals is May 7th. Speak to your local HBA’s EO about how to submit a proposal or contact Charles Schneider at HBAT with your idea.
Keep in mind, we need more information than “I hate this thing I have to deal with.” We need your experience and your network to help find a solution to the problem. We also must be able to explain the issue to 132 legislators, who are not familiar with the day-to-day challenges of the residential construction business.
All proposals will be discussed in detail at the HBAT Summer meeting. Register here.
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Legislative Agenda Wins in 2021
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Pre-Sale of Lots (SB0682 by Kelsey/ HB0407 by Helton)
This change updates the 1935 law governing new subdivisions. Our suggested language eliminates the confusing prohibition on pre-sale contracts for new subdivision lots.
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Environment: Defining “system of incentives” for beneficial reuse and land-based wastewater treatment (SB790 by Walley/ HB1144 by Grills) amendment language
Passed Senate & House, enrolled and sent Governor for his signature.
For the first time there will be a mechanism to recognize those who go beyond TDEC’s regulatory requirements. “Today, when you go above and beyond TDEC’s requirements, all you get a pat on the back,” said Charles Schneider, CEO, Home Builders Association of Tennessee. “Communities are encouraging the construction of wastewater systems that provide beneficial reuse, making these incentives necessary. This new law will finally push the state to provide meaningful incentives to builders and developers to construct better wastewater systems resulting in better environmental outcomes.”
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One of the ways our Home Building Associations share our gratitude is by encouraging political activity for those elected officials who support our policy efforts. We encourage you to participate in our Housing Industry Political Action Committee.
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HBAT’s legislative efforts help protect the business interests of the men and women who provide housing for Tennesseans. We closely monitor the issues affecting Tennessee’s home building industry, urging lawmakers to take action. When the legislature is not in session, these goals are carried out through the effort of our Housing Industry PAC activities.
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Other construction legislation Of Interest.
The TN Chamber of Commerce & Manufacturing Association passed legislation on building materials this past week. They faced major opposition from the masonry industry and individual cities. It was a close vote in the House: 59 Yes, 31 noes, 1 present not voting.
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HBAT was officially neutral with the final amendment, which resets any local discriminatory material preferences. Any future material preference ordinances must be heard and approved at a single purpose meeting.
Local HBAs should also pay close attention to the agendas to local legislative bodies, as they may seek to pass ordinances to reinstitute material mandates on new construction.
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You can help – Contact Your Congressmen & Senators
Tell their staff how soaring lumber costs are impacting your customers.
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Housing’s potential to lead the economy forward is limited as long as lumber remains expensive and scarce. Congress needs to push the administration to undertake a thorough examination of the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate remedies that will increase production.
Since the U.S. does not produce enough lumber to meet domestic needs, Congress can do its part to boost domestic production by doing a better job of more actively managing federal forest lands in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Federal lawmakers should also urge the White House to make it a priority to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement that would end tariffs that are contributing to extreme price volatility.
Learn more about NAHB’s efforts to provide relief for rising material costs here.
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Healthcare Notice for HBAT Members
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace is being reopened thru May 15th.
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The HBATBT Health Plan is open for quoting and enrollment, as well.
The HBATBT Health Plan team would like to help you select a policy that meets your needs and budget. Take a look at all your available options before making a decision.
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Builders Make Plans to Get Together
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Spend a few days at the beach networking with other HBA members!
We’ve all been cooped up for too long, let’s reconnect with fellow Builders and HBA members at the beautiful Henderson Beach Resort, May 23-26, 2021 at our Summer Meeting in Destin, FL.
Attending the Summer Meeting is a great opportunity to build relationships with members from across Tennessee, learn the latest association and industry developments, and get more involved at the state level. It’s also a chance for some much needed relaxation and fun at the beach.
Registration & Hotel
We are excited to return to Destin’s 5-star luxury resort. The Henderson is Florida’s finest beach resort on the Northwest Gulf Coast. HBAT has a room block reserved at a discounted rate of $265 per night. The room block deadline is May 12, 2021.
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Participate in Member Savings Programs
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Home Builders preach the benefits of doing business with a member. We want you to do business with like-minded people who support our industry. We also encourage you to take advantage of savings by participating in Rebate Programs.
Builders and Remodelers, if you’re not participating in this rebate program, you’re leaving money on the table. Register and claim your rebates www.HBATrebates.com
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NAHB has Additional Savings Programs for Business Savvy Members
Whether it’s a discount on a product or service or a more efficient way to operate, the smart business person is always looking at ways to cut costs and maximize returns.
Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family.
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