As in previous years, Lansing continues to be challenged by the state budget situation. The MAR, along with the business community, has scored a big victory in the process as a budget for the current fiscal year is now in place without a tax increase being concurrently enacted to fund it. Even though the Fiscal Year 2010 budget has been signed into law, there continues to be a push for targeted business taxation increases. The game of politics continues to be played to try and force a tax increase vote. Discussions are ongoing about what can be done in this area, but so far there is not sufficient support to increase any form of taxes by our elected leaders.
The MAR Public Policy Committee and Board of Directors continue to direct our efforts as a leader of the ‘
One Voice for Reform Coalition’ which recently presented a petition to the Legislature and Governor asking our elected leaders to make the tough choices to reduce spending, avoid taxation increases and pass meaningful reforms to revitalize state government. The petition carried the names of about 500 real estate offices among thousands of businesses from across the state.
Our position on the budget situation remains clear…under our specific tax structure the state is only generating a set amount of income for public sector operation. The way out of our structural budget deficit will be for governmental units to look inward and embrace true government reform that will make more efficient and less costly the actual operation of government. Making reforms to the ‘spending’ side of the ledger is exactly what families and real estate industry practitioners have had to do recently to survive during these challenging times and the public sector should not be held harmless from this standard. After enacting such cost saving measures we can then focus on reforming our state’s tax and regulatory system to become one of the most competitive states in which to do business in America.
As the year draws to a close, know that the membership has scored an honest victory through the budget process in preventing property, transfer, or specific industry taxation increases on the membership and property owners in this state. Be proud of these accomplishments but know that the fight remains ongoing to prevent commission taxation. We will all need to be ready to help push Michigan in the right direction next year as one of the leaders in Lansing.
Warm wishes for a very happy and prosperous 2010.
Plans are finalizing for the 2010 Achieve Conference & Achieve After Dark being held January 21 – 22, 2010 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Just added to the Achieve knowledge session lineup is speaker Terri Murphy and her session“Communication Dynamics: What you Need to Connect with Different People Differently"
The knowledge session will cover communication and how it relates to your business.The normal tendency of sales and management is to communicate with everyone in the same way, using the same strategies and approach. Especially today, this can be a costly mistake! With 4 distinctly different generations working side by side, coupled with more interaction globally, we need better relationship skills than ever before! Terri helps you use the magic of effective communication skills by understanding how to relate more effectively with other social styles and generations to improve relationships and drive more profits!
Register today for only $149! Hurry, early bird rates end January 8, 2010.
Register Now!
Be sure to mark your calendars that 2010 MAR dues are due in the MAR office by 5:00 pm, Monday, March 15, 2010. This does not mean post-marked by the 15th, they must be in our office by that time. Local Associations remitting dues via ecommerce or wire transfer should plan the timing of their remittances in order for funds to clear MAR’s account by March 15, 2010.
Please visit our dues web site at
http://www.mirealtors.com/content/Dues.htm to find the 2009 forms you’ll need until the end of the year, and the 2010 forms (Annual Dues Remittance, Proration Schedule, NAR Dues Transmittal Form, and New/Transferring Members for 2010.)
Don’t want to risk the post office not getting your dues payment to us on time? Then please feel free to bring your dues remittance with you on Friday, March 12, 2010 for the Professional Standards Admin Workshop being held from 10:00am-3:00pm at the MAR Office.
If you have any dues or membership questions, please contact
Julie Rowell at
jrowell@mirealtors.com.
You work hard to help people find peace of mind and security when they are searching for a new home. You are well respected and loyal to your buyers when helping them make one of the most important purchases of their lives.
We understand and respect that kind of loyalty. What’s more, we think it’s time that you enjoy that peace of mind and comfort as well. That’s why Frankenmuth Insurance is offering special discounts to members of the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. Savings include a generous discount on auto and home policies. They can also be combined with other discounts available through your independent insurance agent.
To locate an independent insurance agent click on this link: http://www.fmins.com/
or call 800.682.6881 or visit the Hartland Insurance Group web site: www.hartlandinsurancegroup.com <http://www.hartlandinsurancegroup.com/> .