Published:
Florida Association of Realtors(R) Urges Lawmakers to Consider Housing Issues and Protect Florida's Future
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Florida Legislature meets
in special session this week to balance an additional $2.3 billion budget
shortfall because of declining revenues in the current recession, Florida
Realtors(R) urge lawmakers to weigh their options carefully and consider
Florida's economic future.
Legislators are discussing a number of actions, including spending cuts,
tapping reserves, higher court fees and fines. The Florida Association of
Realtors(R) continues to monitor recommendations that could harm the state's
housing industry and slow the economic recovery, says John Sebree, FAR Vice
President of Public Policy.
Sebree notes that housing serves asFlorida's greatest economic engine: $1
million of state funding for housing produces $10.36 million in related
economic activity and 106 jobs, according to research from the Sadowski
Affordable Housing Coalition.
"There's a saying, 'As real estate goes, so goes the economy'," says 2009
FAR President Cynthia Shelton. "Housing and commercial real estate investment
has always lifted our economy out of past downturns and will do so again. In
these challenging economic times, the Legislature will be faced with tough
choices. We all recognize the need to cut spending and tighten belts; however,
no action should be taken that would raise the cost of homeownership, business
ownerships or investments for Floridians."
The purchase of real estate impacts many industries - from builders, home
inspectors and appraisers to title companies, movers, home decor, appliance
and furniture stores. "This ripple effect generated by increased real estate
activity will help bring the economy out of recession and lead to an overall
economic recovery," says Sebree.
The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate inFlorida,
provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative
representation for its more than 125,000 members in 67 local
boards/associations.
SOURCE Florida Association of Realtors
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