Get involved and help guide the future of your state association by signing up for 2013 committee service. Today, July 31, is the last day to sign up for service on NYSAR.com. Click here to learn more and to sign up.

According to RealtyTrac's Midyear 2012 Metropolitan Foreclosure Market Report, which shows foreclosure activity in the first half of 2012,25 out of 27 metropolitan areas in New York State saw increased foreclosure filings compared to the second half of 2012. However, the state as a whole continues to rank amongst the lowest in the nation for total filings. Click here to learn more.

This week's "Election Watch" features former Assemblyman George Latimer (D) vs. Republican challenger Bob Cohen in New York's 37th Senate District. It is a very close race and both have raised substantial campaign cash, making the race even more competitive. Click here to learn more.

The New York City Council approved a new law that would require the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development to publicly disclose a large amount of information on affordable housing projects across the city. Parts of the new law are being opposed by the affordable housing community as well as the agency itself. Click here to learn more.

Thank you to the brokers who exhibited strong leadership and decision-making authority by enrolling their company in the Broker Involvement Program in June and July. Click here to learn more and sign up today.

Click here to read the entire Government Affairs Weekly Report.

The Tuesday, August 7, NYSAR Radio show will cover legal issues relating to broker liability. Tune in at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, by clicking here. Click here for more information.

This July/August issue of New York State REALTOR magazine's Legal Line discusses the importance of using a termination agreement to avoid costly litigation. Click here to access the digital version of the magazine.

The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF) is offering scholarships to REALTORS allowing them to take a national designation course for free. Applications must be received by August 1. Click here to learn more.

Housing Our Military with Excellent Service (HOMES) course – will be offered August 7-8 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. In this course, you'll learn to identify the special housing needs and motivations of military personnel and veterans. Click here for more information or to register.

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Short Sales elective course – will be offered August 7 at the Long Island REALTOR Service Center in West Babylon, NY. This course explains the similarities and differences in the U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac HAFA programs designed to streamline and unify the short sale process. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 407 – "Building Your Real Estate Practice"– will be offered August 10 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS office in Staten Island, NY In this course, you'll discuss business plans, recordkeeping and tax considerations for independent contractors, and managing priorities. Click here for more information or to register.

Feeling the heat from your summer energy bill? Now is the time to take advantage of your exclusive member rewards. The New York State Association of REALTORS has partnered with Energy Plus, one of the fastest growing energy supply companies. With this unique electricity and natural gas program you can receive Cash Back, have the opportunity to go green, all while receiving the same reliable delivery service from your local utility company.

Switching is easy. There are no sign-up fees, cancellation fees, or long-term commitments. Plus nothing about the way your service is delivered will change. Click here to learn more or to sign up today!

The Long Island Board of REALTORS is holding an RPAC event on August 7, open to LIBOR members. Click here to learn more.

The July RPAC silent auction item is rechargeable power stand for the iPhone. Bids must be placed by Tuesday, July 31, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.