Capitol Connections – April 25, 2020
An Inspirational Note from Elizabeth Peetz, VP of Government Affairs
Covid-19 really makes us all challenge many assumptions that we have held. Can I stay in my home on a regular basis without going stir crazy? Do I cook well enough to take the time to enjoy slowing down to eat with my family or quarantine companion? Can I be productive from home?
For me, many of you know that our Government Affairs team has worked overtime to ensure that REALTORS® have the ability to maintain a business. You also know that the housing market is a critical component of our economy and many Americans’ main wealth-generating asset. But our homes are also the places we find security, places where the families and neighbors that support us come together, and now more than ever innovation for ideas that can help us all dream a better future.
Along with all of you, I want to think about a tomorrow that is brighter, more collaborative, and takes pleasure in the simple things like turning extra grapefruits into a Paloma, getting through my backlog of book reading instead of my Netflix queue, and taking joy in the planting of a garden.
Because what we plant today is hope for a prosperous future.
Happy exploring and happy planting!
Elizabeth Peetz
Vice President of Government Affairs, Colorado Association of REALTORS®
| Breaking News: Congress Clears Coronavirus Relief Bill |
The U.S. House passed legislation Thursday providing a fresh round of funding for coronavirus small-business relief programs championed by the National Association of REALTORS® and available to REALTORS® through the CARES Act. The Senate passed the bill on Tuesday.
President Trump is expected to sign the measure, which will clear the way for lending to resume as early as Friday under two Small Business Administration programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program.
Under the agreement, the PPP will receive $310 billion in new cash, while the EIDL fund will receive an additional $60 billion. The bill sets aside $60 billion of the PPP funding for small and medium-sized community banks, which will provide extra help for self-employed individuals and small businesses that don’t have relationships with larger banks.
The bill also includes $25 billion for coronavirus testing and $75 billion for hospitals.
| COVID-19 Status Update |
Governor Polis Announces “Safer at Home”
When the statewide stay-at-home order ends on April 26, Colorado will start a
new phase called “safer at home.” Governor Polis is urging Coloradans
to continue responsible social distancing efforts and mask-wearing, and to stay
at home as much as possible, especially those at higher risk.
On April 27, some retailers will be allowed to reopen for curbside pickup through May 1 when they can open to limited numbers of in-store customers with a requirement to have social-distancing policies in place. Real estate agents will also be able to resume one-on-one showings, but not open houses.
Starting May 1, one-on-one personal services such as salons, as well as elective medical services such as dental offices, will be able to reopen.
Starting May 4, employers can bring back up to 50% of their employees to work in-person starting if they can follow social distancing guidelines and put forward protocols to monitor symptoms like temperature checks.
Bars, restaurants (aside from curb side pickup and delivery services), gyms, and other largely crowded business operations will remain closed until further notice.
CAR Foundation Accepting Nomination for Disaster Relief Funds Recipients
The Foundation is releasing $125,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The Disaster Relief Grant Committee has been formed and is in the process of identifying nonprofits to partner with statewide. If you have any recommendations of organizations that are in need of this assistance, please contact Stacey Brown, CAR Foundation Executive Director.
| Government Affairs Update |
CAR is working for Colorado REALTORS® during this challenging time
It is safe to say the uncertain time we currently live in is a first for many. The Colorado Association of REALTORS® is committed to ensuring REALTORS® across the state are represented, heard, and have resources to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost every day there is a new breaking news headline or Executive Order set forth by Governor Polis or new policies developed by local jurisdictions.
Here is a brief timeline of the state of Colorado’s essential services actions that impacted the real estate industry and the various efforts and outcomes resulting from the lobbying and communications efforts by the Colorado Association of REALTORS® on behalf of its 26,000 members.
Watch CAR Legal Bites – Real Estate and Newly Announced Safer at Home Policy – April 21, 2020.Watch CAR Legal Bites – Shelter in Place Updates – April 24, 2020.
| Have You Completed Your 2020 Census Questionnaire? |
REALTORS® can help drive the cause! Participation by Colorado REALTORS®, along with your clients, will help secure public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and fire departments while catalyzing infrastructure improvements that will support new homes and businesses. Strict federal law protects our responses and Census Bureau employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality to keep information private. The questionnaire takes 10 minutes. Challenge your members to take the 2020 Census questionnaire today!
Have you completed your 2020 Census questionnaire? CAR wants to know how many Colorado REALTORS® have participated so far. Click here to let CAR know you’ve completed yours.
For information on how Census data is used, watch NAR’s webinar.
RPAC Update
RPAC Month Postponed
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have decided to postpone RPAC Month scheduled for May. We hope to celebrate RPAC Month this summer. Stay tuned for more details.
RPAC Member Spotlight – We want to hear from you! We are collecting stories from Colorado REALTORS® about how you have been able to serve your clients or communities during this extraordinary time. If you have a story you’d like to share, please email Cameron Hill.
Click here to invest in RPAC.
Join the Colorado Project Wildfire Taskforce
| Developed by the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, Project Wildfire is designed to help reduce the destruction of land, property, and lives. Working in partnership with other like-minded fire prevention organizations across the state, local REALTOR® associations are bringing education and awareness, as well as access to resources, directly to residents in their local communities. To learn more about Colorado Project Wildfire, click here. |
If you are interested in participating on the Taskforce and receiving
updates and notices on upcoming meetings and important wildfire mitigation efforts, please contact Bridget Garcia.