Event Coverage
California REALTORS® Bring Homeownership For All Message to Sacramento
California Governor Gavin Newsom addresses California REALTORS® on Legislative Day.
After an absence of two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, 2,000 California REALTORS® were once again at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 27. REALTORS® make up the largest business interest group that comes to Sacramento each year to meet with their elected officials and discuss issues affecting homeownership and the real estate industry.
C.A.R. President Otto Catrina welcomed members at the morning briefing held at the newly remodeled convention center. Catrina stated the REALTORS®' presence in Sacramento shows they value homeownership and private property rights.
"We need to remember to fight for homeownership, private property rights, free enterprise and responsible government. We are here to support not just our business but our clients," said Catrina.
C.A.R.'s new CEO John Sebree greeted REALTORS® and reminded them that April is Fair Housing Month. Sebree said, "We all have the opportunity to be part of the transformative solutions to make sure all people have access to homeownership."
Sebree mentioned C.A.R.'s efforts to this end, such as its partnership with nonprofit housing organizations to provide closing cost grants of up to $10,000 for eligible first-time homebuyers from underserved communities, and C.A.R.'s successes to help pass fair housing legislation, including legislation that removes discriminatory language in property records.
Among the guest speakers was Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, who indicated "homeownership is a fundamental principle." Gallagher urged REALTORS® to continue educating legislators of the need to drive housing costs down for California families, that legislators can work across the aisle to ensure the California dream of homeownership remains viable for the future. He estimated 2.5 million homes need to be built by 2030.
"We must move through all the obstacles to make sure that the dream of homeownership can be achieved," said Gallagher.
Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg also focused on the need to build more homes. "It's all about housing. Homeownership is the backbone of our community. It builds generational wealth. It is something we need to focus on at the core, the opportunity to give people hope and help the 'missing middle.'"
California Governor Gavin Newsom fiercely chastised critics and stressed, "facts matter." Newsom indicated California had 21 percent GNP growth five years prior to the pandemic. Last year, California's economy, along with two smaller states, grew the fastest. California's GNP grew 7.8% last year. The state is dominated by venture capitalists, is number one in factory jobs, in manufacturing, in household income growth. California had the biggest surplus in the U.S., and was able to give $12 billion in tax rebates last year.
The state has passed 31 housing bills and 17 bills pertaining to CEQA, but Newsom said, "We got more work to do to address housing at all income levels."
Most importantly, the Governor noted California values lives and had 51 percent less Covid deaths than the rest of the country. He also intends to rectify the problem of homelessness,. He pointed out the problem has a lot to do with chronic mental illness, from which an estimated 30,000 Californians suffer.
Newsom thanked REALTORS® for keeping the economy moving, for all they did during the pandemic, and for creating opportunities for families and contributing to the state's growth.
"I have pride in this state. I think the best days are ahead of us. We are moving in the right direction as we haven't done in the past," said Newsom.
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You can also view more Legislative Day photos on the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® Facebook Page HERE.
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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.