Mrs. Gertz goes to Washington

No one is really sure if it’s the actual weather in Washington that makes it so hot in summer, or if it’s all the hot air pouring out of agency buildings.  Christine recently spent a morning at EPA  headquarters and still can’t tell. She was in town representing the National Apartment Association to argue for the interests of the apartment industry at an EPA public meeting about lead paint hazards in buildings. The powerful federal agency might expand their Renovation Repair and Painting rules to commercial buildings.  Current RRP rules only apply to residential buildings built before 1978-the year lead was taken out of paint, and child care facilities.  RRP rules can add huge costs to renovation and repair projects.  In typical Washington cart-before-the-horse fashion, the EPA is considering requiring every single commercial building in the country-even the ones built after 1978 – to follow RRP rules as well.  In her comments Christine noted they are simply guessing there could be a problem and from there they are guessing at a solution to fit their imaginary problem.

 

NAA RRP comments for EPA June 26 2013 draft June 23

Friendships old and new…

Happy New Year to all!

We sincerely hope everyone’s New Year is filled with peace, prosperity and rewarding friendships. This is the perfect time to re-connect and create new connections-especially with your professional Association. Our Government Affairs program needs you to spread the word!

In December AAGP members stepped up to fight Philadelphia’s Lead Paint Disclosure Bill and won vital concessions from City Council. We partnered with other real estate groups and made a powerful impression. The amendments we secured will benefit every rental owner in the City. It is one of the best examples of what can happen when professionals work together through their trade association.

In your travels you probably meet fellow rental owners who are not yet a part of AAGP. Let’s make sure they learn about the extraordinary work you have done on their behalf- the concessions we won in Philadelphia will save everyone thousands of dollars.

Let them know there is more to be done, not only in Philadelphia but throughout the region and Commonwealth.

We know lawmakers prefer hearing from the best and brightest in a given field, and will listen to those who think enough about their industry to be a part of their professional association. We keep our members abreast of legislative activity that will affect them, and call upon their expertise to help shape our lobbying policies and strategies. We are known in Pennsylvania as the strong collective voice of the apartment industry, where responsible rental owners who actually know what it takes to professionally manage properties and keep them afloat join forces.

In the coming year we will surely face challenges from legislators throughout the Commonwealth. We are looking forward to working together as the strongest voice in our multifamily industry -with friendships old and new.

 

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