Columbus Realtors meet with lawmakers on top issues

Staff Reports

Representatives from Crossroads Association of Realtors, based in Columbus, were among more than 9,000 real estate professionals who traveled to Washington, D.C., in May for the Realtors Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo.

Members of the Crossroads Association attended meetings and informational sessions, as well as meeting with regulatory agency staff and lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss and advocate on issues affecting the real estate industry, and their businesses, communities and clients.

They focused on several significant issues during the legislative-focused meetings, including fair housing, flood insurance and internet neutrality.

“Supporting home and property owners through smart legislation and regulatory initiatives is essential to advancing our nation’s economy, as well as our communities,” said Cheryl Stuckwish, a Crossroads Association member. “Realtors are continuing the fight to keep Congress’ attention on the issues that impact real estate most.”

When speaking with U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, R-Indiana, on Capitol Hill, Stuckwish and her fellow association colleagues acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and urged Congress to adopt sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, bringing it in line with the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.

Additionally, Realtors advocated for strong net neutrality protections; fought to extend and reform the National Flood Insurance Program; and urged Congress to index homeownership deductions for future inflation and permanently extend the tax exclusion on mortgage debt forgiveness.