March 31, 2006

PBA NEWS
PBA working with officials to shape contractor registration legislation in Senate
PBA, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Sen. Robert Tomlinson, R-Bucks, is close to a deal amending legislation (Senate Bill 1000) seeking to register home-improvement contractors in Pennsylvania. PBA’s board of directors voted in February to make SB 1000 a government affairs priority. Guided by its task force members, PBA has made significant progress during negotiations concerning this bill. PBA started a month ago with more than 50 problem areas that needed to be addressed; that number is now down to one. The last major sticking point involves details surrounding down-payment requirements in a home improvement contract. Some of the major concerns that have been resolved include preemption of municipal contractor licensing in most cases, the exclusion of emergency home repairs from the bill and agreement to allow arbitration clauses in home improvement contracts. This bill is moving quickly. Members interested in learning more are advised to contact Lou Biacchi as soon as possible.

PBA discusses views on contractor registration at hearing
Lou Biacchi, PBA director of government affairs, presented PBA's position on contractor registration at a hearing about House Bill 2557. PBA members oppose dual registration -- done on a statewide basis for consumer protection and in every municipality where the contractor works, in most cases simply to provide funding for the township. This bill is a companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate. 

Builders invited to share views about Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy
Several meetings about the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy, specifically organized for builders and developers, are planned for April 11 (Williamsport) and April 12 (Harrisburg). The agency has called for these meetings so it can hear about the industry’s concerns. Dates have not yet been finalized; more information will be forthcoming in TradeSecrets. Following a March 22 meeting at the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, representatives of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association and several chamber chapters agreed to pursue the possibility of a statewide coalition to combat the strategy. A follow-up meeting will be held April 26 at the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce. For more information on these meetings and PBA’s efforts to shape the tributary strategy, please call Keith Ashley at PBA or e-mail him.

PBA convenes inaugural meeting for statewide workforce housing coalition
PBA hosted a kick-off meeting to explore formation of an affordable workforce housing coalition May 23. Workforce housing is a new PBA government affairs priority for 2006 and is of great interest to 2006 President Brad Elliott. Seven groups were represented at the meeting: the Pennyslvania Association of Realtors, the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and Larry Segal, executive director with the Governor’s Office of Housing and Community Revitalization. Not attending but expressing interest in this issue was the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association because of concern about meeting the housing needs of police officers. Participants agreed the topic of affordable workforce housing is vital to the state’s economic future and quality of life for Pennsylvanians. The next meeting will take place in early June. For more information, please contact Lou Biacchi.

PBA scores another UCC victory in Monroe County
Following a challenge mounted by PBA, the state Department of Labor and Industry in late March rejected a UCC-related ordinance proposed by Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County. That ordinance would have adopted various appendices of the International Fire Code dealing with such topics as fire hydrant locations, access roads for fire apparatus and hazard rankings for various chemical substances. While the IFC is part of the state’s Uniform Construction Code, the IFC appendices are not. PBA objected to this proposed ordinance by Coolbaugh Township because the IFC appendices would have imposed more stringent requirements that are not justified by any unique local conditions, and that would have weakened the uniformity of the code in Pennsylvania.

Aflac supplemental insurance offered to members
Through Builders Services, Inc., Aflac is offering a new, voluntary insurance program to PBA members. Members and their employees can enroll in valuable benefit programs designed to protect them against out-of-pocket costs related to medical expenses and disabilities. Unlike major medical insurance, Aflac benefit dollars are paid directly to the policyholder. Employees pay for the coverage themselves so there is no group cost to the company. Aflac will set up tax-savings programs (Section 125 POP plans) for free that will save the employer FICA taxes. Aflac will also provide flexible spending accounts at reduced rates for PBA members. For more information, contact Joe Purisky of Aflac at 800-694-1299.

Dewey Homes completes house for ABC-TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Dewey Homes completed a home in northeast Philadelphia in one week for the April 30 episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, to be aired on ABC-TV. Dewey and dozens of suppliers and generous community sponsors worked to replace the home of William and Carole Py, who took in three grandchildren following the tragic deaths of their daughter and son-in-law. The family saw their new home for the first time March 29. Click for more.

Former member names PBA as beneficiary
Harold Benjamin, long-time PBA member who died last year, has named PBA as a beneficiary to his estate. Benjamin asked that his donation be used for the development of building concepts. PBA thanks Benjamin, and his wife, Lorraine, for their kindness. Members who name PBA as an estate beneficiary leave a lasting legacy of their leadership in the housing industry and help the association enhance its services for future generations.

Consider donating items to PaCAH auction
The success of the 2006 PaCAH event, Cruise to Margaritaville, relies on donated auction items and your participation. Register today for the July 28 Jimmy Buffett-style riverboat cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper. The cost of the event is $110 per person and includes dinner, island entertainment and free drinks all night. To register or to donate an auction item, please contact Megan Roby at (800) 692-7339 ext. 3027, or via e-mail at mroby@pabuilders.org.

'Great Pennsylvania Cleanup' welcomes your participation
All Pennsylvania residents are invited to participate in the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, a series of projects March 1 through May 31 in all parts of the state. This year's events are highlighted by "Let's pick it up PA day," April 22. PBA supports this effort as a charter member of the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful program. Local associations are encouraged to support this worthwhile cause. Visit the web site for local opportunities, a place to register your event and other event information. More information is also available from your field service director.

Avoid common tax problems
Click here to view a list of some common tax problems and how to avoid them, from the IRS.

NAHB News
NAHB sues over 'Philadelphia Ditch Rule'
National Association of Home Builders filed suit March 17 against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the so-called "Philadelphia Ditch Rule," a puzzling misinterpretation of waterway regulation that would increase the cost of housing. The rule directs corps officials in the Philadelphia District to treat all upland ditches as navigable waters of the United States, triggering their regulation under the federal Clean Water Act. "This action is not only unnecessary but contradicts the wording of the Act itself," said NAHB President David Pressly, a builder and developer from Statesville, N.C. "You can't regulate a roadside ditch like you do the Mississippi River.  It's excessive, it's expensive, and ultimately, it's reflected in the cost of new homes."