2005 CORPAC Committee Report

You need CORPAC; and CORPAC needs You! Protecting the American Dream REALTORS® in Central Ohio have been enjoying a favorable climate in which to do business for several years. We have been fortunate to have CBR's Larry Metzger, our CORPAC Governing Board and the OAR and NAR staffs working diligently behind the scenes to monitor governmental issues and legislation that would negatively impact our business before they become major problems. Many of us have taken this for granted for too long! Good Government is not without cost! For the past several years, Governor Taft has made numerous proposals that would negatively impact our Industry?all in an effort to solve Ohio's financial mess! These proposals have served as a wake up call, banding REALTORS® and Affiliates alike, in a common cause for maintaining good and fair government. We all know that good government is not without cost. Only continued vigilance will protect our industry. Where do we get the money? Unlike labor unions and other trade associations, our lobbying costs cannot just come from our membership dues! That would be soooo easy! CORPAC was founded 11 years ago to provide a vehicle for raising funds to support our industry beliefs and to protect the property rights of all individuals, locally, on a state-wide basis, and nationally. 67% of the funds raised are distributed at the state and national level. The remaining 33% is used locally to support those issues and candidates that are considered real estate friendly.

Sandy Campbell, REALTOR® Co-Chair Jay Zollars, C/I Co-Chair Kim McCutchen, Affiliate Co-Chair

Nationally, REALTORS® have supported the following issues: the continued increases in FHA loan maximums; the continued deductibility of mortgage interest for income tax purposes; and lowering capital gains taxes at the federal level.

At the state level, REALTORS® have worked for the following: computerized testing for real estate licensing; Ohio's new commercial lien law; and continued increases in Ohio Housing Trust Fund. REALTORS® in Ohio have opposed the state sales tax on real estate commissions, management fees, title search fees and home inspections; reductions in the commercial property tax roll back, and bans on car phones.

We continue to monitor legislation regarding the state- wide licensing of home inspectors, Ohio's school funding issues, and the proposed state wide transfer fee and the CAT tax.

Locally, CBR and CORPAC have supported local school issues, well-planned growth initiatives, and the safety of our roads and bridges. We have opposed local growth moratoriums (as in Pickerington), the Columbus city tax on capital gains, and overly restrictive sign ordinances. We continue to monitor local watershed protection overlays as well.

CORPAC HAS ITS BENEFITS!

CBR members have seen the benefits of CORPAC and have lead the state in legislative participation with the largest amount of local board fundraising in Ohio, leaving both the Cleveland and Cincinnati Boards in the dust! This year our goal is to increase membership participation and to raise $131,412! We all know this is a rather odd figure, but this is the amount that will bring the total CORPAC fundraising, since 1994, to a whopping ONE MILLION DOLLARS!

As you can imagine, we will need the help of the entire membership to achieve this goal! Our CORPAC Auction will be May 26 at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in downtown Columbus. This is a great event with two silent auctions, a live auction, great food, cash bars and a great time! Don't miss it!

Here's how you can help!

1. Donate an item for the auction!
2. Buy a ticket or reserve a table!
3. BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK!

We have some great Auction items but we still need YOU to insure a good time!
Mark your calendars and plan to attend! Click here to reserve your ticket now!