It is RPAC fundraising season again and with your help the
IAR will continue to support candidates and issues that help
further the real estate profession. The following information
is about yourPAC.
What is RPAC?
RPAC stands for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee.
IAR organized RPAC to collect political contributions and
provide assistance to candidates who support issues important
to the real estate profession. RPAC is — and always
will be — a fair, legal and vital way for REALTORS® to
speak in a unified voice.
What is RPEC?
RPEC is the REALTORS® Political Education
Committee. RPEC contributions are used to further the political
education
and awareness of our membership and the public. The contributions
are also used for issues mobilization, coalition building
and the development of brochures and position papers. RPEC
money cannot be used for campaign contributions.
Why contribute?
Because public policy shapes our business — No
matter where you live or how far it seems from the state
capital
or Washington, D.C., laws affecting the real estate industry
are passed every year. Elected officials regularly pass laws
on taxation, mortgage finance, housing, private property
rights and licensure. Many of these laws determine how we
as real estate professionals do business and impact the profitability
of our business. Because campaign contributions make a difference — By
pooling the resources of many REALTORS®, the cost of
campaign contributions is spread broadly and REALTORS® collectively
have a voice.
Where does the money go?
70% of your contribution goes to
Iowa RPAC to support candidates for the state legislature
and other state and local offices.
The other 30% goes to NAR to support candidates for the U.S.
Congress upon the recommendation of the state RPAC trustees.
Who decides?
Contribution decisions are made by the RPAC
trustees, a nine-member committee nominated by the IAR nominating
committee
and elected by the IAR membership to serve staggered three-year
terms. The main objective of the RPAC trustees is to help
elect candidates who support REALTOR® issues. The decisions
made by the RPAC trustees depend upon a candidate’s
position on key real estate issues, the REALTOR® relationship
with a candidate in the home district, committee assignments
and leadership position. Contributions are given to candidates
of both major political parties.
How can I support RPAC?
Whether your contribution is $25
or $250, the money you give to support your REALTORS® PAC
makes a difference, not only to your business but also to
the millions of property
owners our profession represents. You may write a personal
check to RPAC or RPEC and give it to your local board executive
officer, president or RPAC chairperson. Corporate checks
are prohibited for RPAC but may be used for RPEC. All contributions
must be received in the IAR office by September 30 in order
to be eligible for the contests.
RPAC Has Helped By:
- Preventing taxes on real estate commissions
- Eliminating after-the-fact referrals and reducing threats
from third-party affinity programs
- Preventing unnecessary additions to seller disclosure
forms and other forms
- Preventing transfer tax increases and reducing property
taxes
- Supporting legislation protecting private property rights
and takings compensation
- Stopping legislation which would have eliminated dual
agency
- Preserving the mortgage interest deduction
- Supporting the use of electronic signatures for real
estate documents
- Supporting capital gains tax cuts and tax reforms which
encourage real estate investment
- Reducing risks and legal liability through enacting seller
disclosure laws
- Stopping mandatory home inspection legislation
- Preserving the independent contractor status for real
estate professionals
- Increasing FHA/VA loan limits, allowing more families
to move into the ranks of home ownership
- Supporting database protection legislation for real property
listings
For further information on RPAC, contact Jennifer Kingland
at 800-532-1515.
