Long Island Commercial Network to hold monthly networking meeting May 27 in Woodbury

By Gail Gladstone, LICN LICN involved in Government affairs? On May 27 we will be. In an effort to increase awareness and involvement among commercial realtors, Long Island Commercial Network announced that the director of government affairs for the Long Island Board of Realtors, Randy Kaplan, along with the Legislative Liaison, Meredith Dulberg, and the government affairs coordinator, Maryann Horan will be sharing the spotlight with Matthew Arnold and Audrey Livingstone, co-chairpersons of RPAC at our monthly networking meeting Tuesday, May 27 at 8 a.m. at the On Parade Diner in Woodbury. Our distinguished guests will show us how we can band together and really make a difference. RPAC is the REALTORS Political Action Committee and serves as the only political organization in the country solely dedicated to protecting REALTOR interests. RPAC takes Action to support and educate Pro-REALTOR candidates on legislative issues that impact our business most. It is a non-partisan committee built upon the financial support of REALTORS dedicated to preserving the future of the real estate industry. Locally - RPAC contributions continue to protect our industry from onerous and costly legislation: * Unfair and Overreaching Sign Ordinances * Transfer Taxes RPAC contributions have benefited NY REALTORS by defeating the following: * Sales Tax on Commissions * To require broker verification of zoning compliance On the national level, RPAC is: * Fighting to keep banks out of real estate * Fighting for affordable health insurance for REALTORS. RPAC investments translate into maintaining an effective REALTOR presence in the halls of Washington D.C., Albany and the local communities throughout Nassau, Suffolk & Queens. Protecting Earned Commissions - RPAC will continue fighting to ensure our earned commissions are paid in full. Please join our efforts to stand-up for earned commission protections by visiting: www.stopcommissionripoffs.com. Creating Affordable Housing Opportunities - NYSAR is actively promoting legislation to authorize tax deductible savings accounts for prospective first time homebuyers. The measure is designed to encourage savings and foster increased homeownership. Safeguarding Consumers & Members Alike - Sex offender ban. We will extend our efforts to fight for the protection of our membership and clients through a ban on all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate license. Securing Affordable Health Insurance for REALTORS - A recent NAR study found that nearly 30% of REALTORS do not have access to affordable health insurance. RPAC continues to fight for legislation to permit associations to offer health insurance plans for their members. NAR has been instrumental in drafting a small business health plan (SBHP) bill and continues to work with Congress to bring this bill to fruition. Combating Housing Discrimination - To increase housing opportunities, NYSAR has joined forces with the NYS Division of Human Rights. This effort began with a survey of New York REALTORS to better examine the frequency and types of discrimination that occur in the purchase of cooperative housing. Please join us at this very important and informative meeting. For further information, visit our website www.LICommercialNetwork.org. Gail Gladstone is the 2008 president of LICN, Huntington, N.Y.