SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

Heather Ozur is president of the CAR and a REALTOR® at the RECollective in Palm Springs, Calif.

She praised the National Association of REALTORS®  for covering 100 percent of RRF’s administrative costs, so every dollar donated goes directly to disaster relief efforts. 

“For more than 24 years, the RRF has been a lifeline for communities affected by disasters, providing housing-related assistance.

Since 2001, the foundation has distributed more than $43 million in aid, helping more than 25,000 families nationwide,” according to an NAR statement released when $1 million was granted to California wildfire relief.

“When a major disaster occurs, RRF mobilizes its outreach efforts and turns to NAR members and other constituents for support.”

 

 

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

Heather Ozur is president of the CAR and a REALTOR® at the RECollective in Palm Springs, Calif.

“We need to build more affordable homes. Our lobbying team was just in Washington, D.C., to support the bipartisan More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340) which would raise the capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence,” she said, noting that more people would sell, increasing housing availability if they didn’t face high capital gains taxes.

“Zoning needs to allow more homes.

We need to revisit constraints that makes building so costly, so we can create more affordable and attainable housing.”

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

Heather Ozur, president of the CAR, said it continues to play a leadership role in working with local governments to fund relief and rebuilding.

“Wildfires are a huge concern nationally and in California.

The question is how do we help with fire hardening in the future?

We must find the best ways of mitigating against disaster for residential and commercial buildings,” she said, noting that property owners could benefit from government grants to pay for retrofitting against wildfires.

“The wildfires exacerbated an insurance crisis that we already had in California. We need to continue to work with state officials to help alleviate that and ensure that every family can insure their home,” Ozur said.

She explained that many families in working- and middle-class parts of Los Angeles County, such as Altadena, may not have enough of an insurance settlement to rebuild.

The wildfires took away affordable housing in one of the highest housing cost areas in the nation.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

CAR president Heather Ozur said while CAR works to leverage more donations and government support, it also is working on several long-term issues.

“We are working in the Sacramento Capital with legislators, the governor and the commissioner of insurance to help extend relief.

We successfully got a price gouging moratorium extended to July,” she said of disaster-related protections against price hikes for hotels, motels and rental housing plus prohibitions on evictions of tenants to relist the rental at a higher rate.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

“With so many homes and businesses lost and a housing crisis that existed long before the fires, REALTORS® recognize the importance of reaching out and helping their communities to recover and rebuild,” CAR President Heather Ozur said when the funds were received.

“As residents begin the long process of starting over, the REALTOR® community is glad to be able to provide some immediate support in their time of need.”

The CAR’s REALTOR® Member Grant Program also made $1 million available to REALTORS® and staff members.

The grants within the REALTOR® family, available for up to $10,000 per household for disaster relief, were quickly exhausted in Los Angeles County.

 

 

 

 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

Heather Ozur, president of the CAR and a REALTOR® at the RECollective in Palm Springs, Calif., said National Association of REALTORS®  funds were granted to assist with housing relief or displacement for anyone whose home was destroyed or damaged by the fires.

The $1,000-per-household grants — for mortgage relief, rental payments, or temporary housing, such as hotel stays due to displacement from their primary residence—were fully disbursed in a month’s time.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

In late January, NAR’s REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) made a $1-million grant available to the CAR to provide disaster relief support to families affected by the wildfires.

“Agents who are REALTORS® deeply understand that in times of crisis, we step up to help our communities remain resilient and united, even in the face of devastation like what we’re witnessing in Southern California,” RRF President Greg Hrabcak said in statement when the funds were granted.

“This grant underscores RRF’s dedication to providing assistance during the critical weeks and months following a disaster, and we are committed to helping families stay in their communities and begin to rebuild their lives.”

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES

Severe wildfires impacted several areas within Los Angeles County in Southern California. REALTORS® responded rapidly.

“After burning for 24 days, both fires were fully contained on Jan. 31, with over 37,000 acres burned and more than 16,000 structures destroyed.

At least 29 people were killed in the two fires—17 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner,” ABC News reported.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) were in action before all the flames were extinguished across 45 square miles of the densely populated area.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Deborah McFadden

Voting is a right of all Americans, but too few are exercising that right.

According to the US Census Bureau, 67% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2020 presidential election, but 62% of people with disabilities voted.

An analysis by the Election Assistance Commission found that if people with disabilities had voted at the same rate as people without disabilities, there would have been about 1.75 million more voters.

“One in four people have a disability. It’s the largest minority voting bloc in America. It is even bigger when you consider the family, friends, and caregivers,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“Our voices have been heard.

But if we were even more active — as voters and as advocates pressing for inclusion — we would have a huge voice that could positively impact many things.”

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Shaun Hill

Shaun Hill, MDA’s Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy, is leading the Access the Vote campaign to provide resources and guidance for navigating the electoral process.

She urges MDA members to use their right to vote to champion legislation impacting the disability community.

“Access the Vote is all about education, engagement, and empowerment,” Shaun says.

“The initiative aims to help people understand our government, the issues that affect our community, and how these things intersect with our daily lives.”

Along with teaching individuals how to be active, informed voters, Access the Vote addresses the barriers people with disabilities still face to exercising their right to vote — from lack of transportation to inaccessible voting machines.

It is a vital resource for information on disability voting rights and practical tools for preparing to vote.

Deborah McFadden was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush. Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

She recounts: “I was talking to five people who had just turned 18 that I helped with SSI and vocational rehabilitation, and I asked them if they were registered to vote.

Not one was.

I told them voting is the cornerstone of Democracy.

If there is one thing I can say to parents of children with disabilities, it is to vote and encourage your children to register when they turn 18.”

MDA wants to ensure that everyone in the neuromuscular community has the knowledge and opportunity to engage in the electoral process at all levels of government.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Congress is also considering legislation related to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The HCBS Access Act would increase access to in-home caregiving for people who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. 

The HCBS Relief Act supplies temporary additional funding for HCBS services with the goal of increasing the caregiver workforce.

Other important issues and pending legislation include:

• Making sure telehealth continues to be accessible for those who use it for essential medical care.
• Increasing access to genetic medicine and counseling.
• Improving access to specialized multidisciplinary care for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community via the ALS Better Care Act.

From the presidential election in November to the thousands of statewide, district, and local races taking place throughout the year, MDA encourages its members to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

While the neuromuscular and disability communities celebrate the progress made, they know there is still much to do to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Our community has told us to focus on reforming federal benefit programs, to prioritize SSI benefits that are better tailored to the century we live in,” says Paul Melmeyer, MDA’s Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy.

“Without changes, people risk SSI or Medicaid benefits if they pursue a career and their pay makes them ineligible.”

The Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) Penalty Elimination Act, introduced in the Senate in 2023, addresses this issue.

If approved, it would increase SSI asset limits from $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples — and these limits would be adjusted annually for inflation.

This would make it easier for individuals with disabilities to hold jobs and save for unexpected expenses without jeopardizing their benefits.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Improving air travel for people with disabilities is an area MDA has been engaged in for many years.

For example, in 2022, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) held a listening session on air travel with wheelchair users.

People with neuromuscular diseases were among the broad base of advocates who detailed unacceptable conditions — everything from injuries caused by improper seat transfers to damaged mobility devices.

In response, the DOT released the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.

In late 2023, after MDA advocates shared their personal air travel experiences with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials, the TSA invited MDA to provide officer training on interacting with travelers who use mobility devices.

This year, Congress passed the long-awaited Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. This major piece of legislation includes reforms that will make air travel more accessible for people with disabilities, including:

• Airport and airline personnel will receive stronger, hands-on training on assisting passengers with disabilities and stowing wheelchairs.
• Airlines will be held accountable for reporting damage to wheelchairs.
• The FAA will continue to study the option of allowing passengers to stay in their wheelchairs during flight.
• People with disabilities will have a seat at the table when the government makes future decisions about air travel.

This law is the result of advocates sharing their air travel stories and telling lawmakers how the provisions in the bill will improve their flying experience.

MDA advocates made personal connections with their representatives to provide key information during the reauthorization process.

“I would say that accessible air travel is one area where MDA has helped create immense progress,” says Mark Fisher, MDA’s Director of Advocacy Engagement.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Another win for the neuromuscular community came in May 2023, when Medicare announced it would cover seat elevation systems for power wheelchairs.

Leading up to the announcement, the MDA Advocacy team submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) supporting this additional coverage.

In addition, MDA’s grassroots advocates sent in their own personal comments encouraging the CMS to make this change.

“Our advocates are spectacular at telling their stories to show why changes to laws and rules are important,” says Mark Fisher, MDA’s Director of Advocacy Engagement.

“One thing I love about advocacy at MDA is how our advocates fight so hard for change, whether it’s a big piece of legislation or a small tweak within an agency. I’m so proud of what our advocates have accomplished.”

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

It’s encouraging to look at how the disability community has positively influenced public policy regarding disability benefits in the last few years.

In 2022, Congress passed the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. Starting in 2026, the age of onset of disability to be eligible for an ABLE account will change from 26 to 46.

These tax-advantaged savings accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses without endangering their benefits.

The policy change is estimated to make an additional 6 million people eligible for ABLE accounts.

In addition, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act requires Medicare to cap the out-of-pocket costs of medications at $2,000 starting in 2025.

Currently, people with neuromuscular diseases on Medicare can see drug costs in the many thousands of dollars.

Advocates from the neuromuscular and disability communities who contacted their members of Congress were crucial in getting this law passed.

In 2023, MDA teamed up with other disability advocacy organizations to successfully defend the Medicaid program from work requirements and cuts that would have made it harder to qualify for Medicaid services or reduced benefits for people with disabilities.

 

YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

When you think about great legislation for people with disabilities, you probably think of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

This important law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, businesses, and transportation. It is designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

“The disability community came together to make this landmark law, showing the collective power we have,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“While passing the ADA was a major achievement for the disability community, much work remains to be done,” she says. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make your voice heard.”

Thanks to the dedication of countless advocates like Deborah, in the decades since the ADA was passed, we have seen some important progress in public policy and disability awareness.

From lobbying efforts by MDA and other organizations to calls, emails, and letters to representatives by grassroots advocates, making our voices heard has been a powerful tool for change.

AMERICA, THE OWNER'S MANUAL, MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR YOU -- part 2

AMERICA, THE OWNER'S MANUAL, MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR YOU
BY SENATOR BOB GRAHAM WITH CHRIS HAND

Review By Steve Wright

Preservationists, architects, planners, travelers, photographers and other lovers of Miami Beach's fabled Art Deco district will enjoy Chapter 3 of AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU.

Author Bob Graham reminds us that before Crockett and Tubbs, glitzy condos and gastro pubs, fashion and clubs -- Ocean Drive and the rest of South Beach nearly bit the dust.

The book recounts the 1976 plan to demolish the aging deco district and the iron-willed widow, Barbara Baer Capitman, whose Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) battle to preserve South Beach and place the 1930s and 1940s Deco structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

While the still-active MDPL and the late Capitman deserve hero status in Miami Beach, Graham carefully points out their wise and unwise strategies. The book is, after all, a manual for effective government interaction.
Using one of his favorite catch-phrases, Graham said "the MDPL did its best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory."

"Given the opportunity to shape Miami Beach's comprehensive plan, the MDPL submitted a historic report that professional planners found confusing and unorganized and never took seriously," the book recounts. "When the city updated its state-required comprehensive plan in June 1978, the proposal did not include historic preservation."

"Then, rather than attempting to work out their differences with the city, the MDPL sought to reverse the omission through sympathetic local newspapers. Miami Beach leaders saw this media strategy as an end run designed to embarrass them, and the reacted angrily. This was a grave development."

"The MDPL would need the city's cooperation and support to implement historic preservation in South Beach. Less than six months before, that cooperation had seemed assured. Now it was in serious peril. "

Graham credits Capitman, who had focused too much on the support of federal and state officials while neglecting to continually grease the local wheels, for stepping into the breach and shepherding the issue toward ultimate approval in 1979.

In less than three years after the Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency announced plans to demolish the Art Deco district, the National Register of Historic places in Washington, D.C. officially designated a one-square-mile area of Miami Beach as a National Historic District.

For the Miami Beach hands-on lesson and dozens of other real-life examples of everyday people using government to better their communities, AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU, is a must read.

http://www.cqpress.com/product/Graham.html

AMERICA, THE OWNER'S MANUAL, MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR YOU

AMERICA, THE OWNER'S MANUAL, MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR YOU
BY SENATOR BOB GRAHAM WITH CHRIS HAND

Review By Steve Wright

Whether this week's election results have you rejoicing, repulsed or retreating -- you cannot relinquish your duty to get more active in government.

Whether you are a old enough to have voted in more presidential elections than you care to admit, or you are a civics student not even old enough yet to cast a vote for township trustee, you can benefit from AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU.

Retired Florida Senator Bob Graham, with assistance from his longtime staffer Chris Hand, wrote the 272-page guidebook for CQ Press (cover price $16.95.)

Graham, a middle of the road Democrat, obviously took great pains to make the straightforward book as non-partisan as a blank sheet of paper.

In these times of cutthroat party politics, the book is refreshingly objective.

The red, white and blue cover is so dull as dishwater, that we feared the pages inside would be a dull, dry and dusty tome assembled by a longtime politician famed for serially journaling his everyday life.

AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU, is anything but arcane and outdated.

The book triumphs by using real-life examples, short paragraphs, clear writing and humor to keep the subject matter lively.

Graham's bottom-line point is that you don't need to be a former presidential cabinet member or a CEO with a seven figure budget for lobbyists to make an impact on government.

Each chapter is filled with examples of how everyday people made an impact on government decision making. In every success story, the key was hard work and a firm understanding of process.

Graham, in a non-patronizing tone, agonizes over the fact that most Americans don't know who to phone for a simple problem. The book educates folks on how to identify the proper elected and appointed persons to approach about local, state, federal, school district and other issues.

Because the book is advertised as a manual, it does have a "checklist for action" and exercises at the end of each chapter. But do not thing of this as a school book.

The publication is just as valuable in the hands of homeowners' group fighting the city hall's foolish squandering of park land as it is in the mitts of a school kid learning the basics of the Constitution.

AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU demystifies polling, fundraising, campaigning, lobbying, media influencing, issue focusing, coalition building, researching and other building blocks of working with government.

This easy-to-read book is a must for everyone who cares about the future of our nation at the crossroads.

TOMORROW: Preservationists, architects, planners, travelers, photographers and other lovers of Miami Beach's fabled Art Deco district will enjoy Chapter 3 of AMERICA, the Owner's Manual, Making Government work for YOU. Graham reminds us that before Crockett and Tubbs, glitzy condos and gastro pubs, fashion and clubs -- Ocean Drive and the rest of South Beach nearly bit the dust.

http://www.cqpress.com/product/Graham.html