FAQ SHEET - FPC Flash Drive Drop Defending MID

LOGISTICS

Where Do I Pick Up My USB Flash Drive?

You will be able to pick up the USB flash drive at the following four locations:

1. FPC Roundtable Tuesday, May 10, 2016 2:00-3:30pm
   Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Blue Room
2. NAR 360
   Tuesday, May 10, 2016 4:00-5:30pm
   Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Marriott Ballroom
3. Federal Policy Issues Briefing Wednesday, May 11, 2016 7:00am-8:30am
   Location: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Marriott Ballroom
4. Realtor Party Member Involvement Committee Meeting (RPMIC)
   Wednesday, May 11, 2016 10:00am -12:00pm
   Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Thurgood Marshall Ballroom South

Who Picks Up the USB Flash Drive?

ALL FPCs will be given a USB flash drive. Please wear your FPC Badge, so staff can verify your identity upon pick-up. Your GAD or AE will also be able to pick up the flash drive in your absence if you are unable to pick it up on your own.

Who gets to deliver the USB drive to the Member of Congress? Just the FPC?

Yes, only the FPC should deliver the flash drive, not anyone on their team or even a GAD or AE. NAR lobbyists will deliver the USB flash drives for those FPCs not able to make it to Washington, D.C.

What are the Rules on Delivering the USB Flash Drive?

You can ONLY deliver the USB flash drives in the Federal office of the Member of Congress while conducting federal business. THIS IS THE LAW, DO NOT BREAK IT. You cannot deliver the USB drive anywhere else, period.

What if my USB is not picked up at the NAR Meetings ?

NAR will FedEx the USB to the FPC and ask the FPC to present the USB to the Member of Congress sometime in the spring or summer.

What do I do if I get Word that My Member of Congress Has Problems Accessing Content on the USB Drive?

In this instance, please email Rick Miller, Director - Consumer Outreach Advocacy (rmiller@realtors.org). In your email please specify the name of the Member of Congress, the state and district number (ie. NY 11), as well as the name and contact information for the House staff that contacted you.

Can I Have a Copy of the Information on the USB?

No, the information on the USB is consumer information and is only for your Member of Congress.

What if My Member of Congress Says They Cannot Accept the USB (example: security reasons)?

Tell the staff you will mention this to NAR and ask if there is a different way they would prefer to receive the information. Be sure to mention the USB issue in your Field Report and let your lobbyist know directly that this is an issue for that office.

I Lost the USB Drive. Can I Get Another One?

No, each USB drive is customized for you and your Member of Congress. There is only one copy. Please make every effort not to lose it. If you do lose it, please inform Rick Miller (rmiller@realtors.org).

CONTENT

What is on The USB Flash Drive?

The flash drive will contain thousands of names and locations of homeowners from the district or in the state (for US Senators) who have signed the NAR Homeowner Advocacy Petition.  There will be a copy of the petition in the packet to presented to your Member of Congress.

Do the Homeowners Know I am Giving Their Information to My Member of Congress?

Yes. Every homeowner who signed the petition was told their signature would be shared with their member of Congress. NAR has sent a reminder email to those consumers who signed the petition that the petition is being delivered during our meetings in May.

Is there Legislation Pending that would Threaten the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)?

There is currently no legislation on the Hill today threatening the Mortgage Interest and Real Property Tax Deductions, however, delivery of this petition is an important reminder to legislators that REALTORS®, consumers and voters are watching. We want to make our mark and be ahead of the curve before tax reform gets underway.

Where Can I find a Copy of the Petition?

The Homeowner Advocacy Petition can be downloaded HERE. It is also available in your 2016 FPC E- Packet.

How did NAR get the Names of the Homeowners on my USB Drive?

NAR sent messages to over 80 million homeowners over a three year period. The emails drove consumers to http://homeownershipmatters.realtor, where they signed the petition. Nearly 900,000 homeowners participated. Consumers in every district of the 50 states signed the petition. Note that most of the consumers who signed the petition also sent a letter to their House Member on this issue.

What is the Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program?

The program commenced in 2012 to show consumers (homeowners) that Realtors ® are on their side on numerous public policy issues. The program communicates to 7.5 million consumers who have taken action on an issue or shown interest in emails NAR has sent them over the past three years.

Does the Consumer Advocacy Program Have a Website?

Yes. The website is: http://homeownershipmatters.realtor, a holistic site that covers homeownership issues at the federal, state and local level.

MESSAGING

What talking points should I follow when I deliver this USB to my MoC?           

You can access your talking points one pager in your FPC E-Packet here.

Will my Member of Congress be happy I am providing this USB drive? Will it be well received?

All Members of Congress will be impressed with the grassroots reach and effort NAR has taken to convey our support of the MID.

What are the Counter Arguments?

Critics will argue:

1. That a simpler tax code with lower rates is better for housing than the current system, and that MID most benefits high income homeowners who do not need help buying a home.
2. That deductions for property taxes subsidize high taxes and encourage bloated governments.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Who on the NAR staff can I ask about this drive if I have more questions?

Please direct all questions to Rick Miller, Director - Consumer Outreach Advocacy (rmiller@realtors.org) or John Dibiase, Communications Director, Government Affairs (jdibiase@realtors.org).

Who should I have my Member of Congress contact if they have questions or should I offer to be that contact?

Please direct all questions from your Member of Congress to Rick Miller, Director - Consumer Outreach Advocacy (rmiller@realtors.org) or John Dibiase, Communications Director, Government Affairs (jdibiase@realtors.org).