Chris Nichols
By Chris Nichols
Approximately 60 REALTORS® from the state of Utah spent last Wednesday afternoon discussing issues vital to the housing market with their Congressional Delegation. The afternoon started with a state caucus meeting with Jamie Gregory, one of NAR’s chief lobbyists, walking us through the major talking points of the day. Then it was off to Capitol Hill to meet with Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and Representatives Jason Chaffetz, Rob Bishop and Jim Matheson.
The meetings were a tremendous success and we are fortunate in Utah to have a congressional delegation that gets it when it comes to the importance of homeownership.
One of the special highlights of the day was finishing our visit with Senator Mike Lee and then being invited to the Senate Chambers to watch him present his budget bill on the Senate Floor.
Following the close of the Senate session, we had the amazing opportunity of a private tour with Senator Lee’s chief of staff, Spencer Stokes. The Capitol was empty and we had the opportunity to enjoy the rotunda with no one else around. There is certainly something about standing in these hallowed halls and quietly soaking in the history and importance of this special place.
Spencer was such a gracious tour guide, showing us amazing places such as the President’s Room, the House Chapel, and a very special visit to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Room. 
The staff there was wonderful and shared many interesting and insight stories about what happens in that room.
My evening ended on a high note with a private dinner at the Capitol Hill Club with my Congressman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz. I had a great time discussing a variety of things ranging from the presidential election to everyday life with him. As always, it’s a great opportunity to come to Washington, D.C., and spend quality time with our elected officials.
*Originally published on NAR’s Midyear Live Blog.
Chris Nichols is a REALTOR® with Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate in Orem, Utah. Learn more about Chris at utahrepro.com or @utahREpro.
Nobu Hata
By Nobu Hata
Working away in cramped cubes at the D.C. REALTOR® headquarters are the NAR Staff behind the REALTOR® Political Action Party. John, Chris, Bethany, Mica, Jay, Claire and crew, not gleamingwhitetoothed Politicians – or even REALTORS®, mind you; they’re regular, politically-charged folks working on our behalf on Capitol Hill, for our livelihood.
Brian Copeland, YPN/RPAC Liaison Mike Oppler and I had the opportunity to meet the people behind cause, and I can tell you that it was a humbling experience. There’s only a handful of these guys dealing what are direct affronts to the covenants of home ownership: Mortgage Interest Deduction, GSE reform, Flood Insurance issues, the list goes on and on.
Issues that aren’t red or blue.
Issues that our clients will grapple with, sooner or later.
Issues that – let’s face it – we neither have the time, nor wherewithal to deal with.
Make your next YPN event this March an RPAC Awareness Event. New Jersey is having a Dareoke event, Tennessee is fund-raising, Minneapolis will be taking part in their state’s Legislative Impact Day, Colorado and Texas will be rallying at “the Hill!”. What will your network do this March?
Web: realtoractioncenter.com / Facebook: www.facebook.com/realtoractioncenter / Twitter: @realtoraction
Nobu Hata is a sales associate for Edina Realty in Minneapolis, and a founding member of the Minneapolis YPN group, the YoPros. Visit his Web site at www.nobuhata.com.
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