Thank you to the nearly 300 REALTORS who spent the day talking with state lawmakers about NYSAR's legislative priorities last week during Lobby Day. Two days later, the State Assembly unanimously approved a bill to streamline the process by which real estate salespersons and associate brokers move from one brokerage to another. The bill has already passed the Senate and will next go to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for approval. Click here to learn more.

On Monday, June 18, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his office's commitment of $60 million over three years to fund housing counseling and legal services for struggling New York State homeowners. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR is actively working on the below legislation in the New York State Legislature:

· Payment of Independent Contractors (A.6698-A Silver / S.4129-C Golden). To read NYSAR's memorandum in opposition, click here.
· Restrictions on Property Owners Use of Apartments (A.3033 Lopez / S.81 Squadron). To read NYSAR's memorandum in opposition, click here.
· Source of Income Discrimination (A.10163 Espinal / S.83 Squadron). To read NYSAR's memorandum in opposition, click here.

The Broker Involvement Program (BIP) empowers brokers to alert their agents to key REALTOR issues in Congress such as a proposal to reduce the mortgage interest deduction benefit and the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Sign up for the BIP today and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free iPad. Click here to learn more.

Click here for the entire NYSAR Government Affairs Weekly Update.

The second quarter edition of Legal Lines is now available on NYSAR.com. This issue features a New York State specific case involving a broker's commission from an "amended" listing agreement. It also covers the New York State Department of State's statement on broker price opinions and a national case from Hawaii involving tree frog noise disclosure. Department of State first quarter administrative law judge decisions are also included. Click here to read the first quarter edition of Legal Lines.

Today's NYSAR Radio, "Agency, Part 2: Buyer's Agents" will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, June 20, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also listen to it any time after tomorrow by visiting NYSAR.com. To listen to the show during one of its regularly scheduled hours, click here.

Please donate $20 to the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation in honor of June being NYSAR Housing Opportunities Month, and to help build awareness of housing opportunities in New York State. Each $20 donation buys a brick with the donor's name on it for the virtual house being built on the foundations website. Everyone who donates $20 in the month of June will be entered into a drawing for a $50 American Express gift card. Click here to learn more.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction and Environmental Issues" – will be offered June 26 at the REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical structure and systems in a home, in addition to energy efficiency and energy rating systems. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 408 – "The Tech Agent" – will be offered June 26 at the REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY. In this course, you'll also discover how to use the latest technology to guide clients through their transaction by remotely accessing data, using mobile presentations, interpreting information and matching client needs with inventory. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 406 – "Price it Right – Understanding the Appraisal Process" – will be offered June 27 at the REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course teaches youthe role and responsibilities of the appraiser in order to foster a smooth real estate transaction and offer your clients a high level of professionalism. Click here for more information or to register.

USI Affinity offers NYSAR members access to more than 15 top-rated auto and homeowners insurance providers. Plus, by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, you can save up to 30 percent a year. You don't even have to choose the same insurance companies for your policies. Click here to learn more.

The June RPAC silent auction item is a pair of pop-up mini speakers with FM tuner. Bids must be placed by Friday, June 29, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.