According to a new study published by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, the New York State private sector employment has fared better overall than the nation in the aftermath of the recession. However, the Fiscal Policy Institute reported that the state's employment outlook has only minimally improved. Click here to learn more.

Last week, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) released Mortgagee Letter 2011-30: The Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) and Appraisal Reporting Forms, applicable for all FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2012. Click here to learn more.

Christian Klueg of CMK and Associates, Real Estate, in Northville, NY, was named one of 10 finalists in REALTOR Magazine's 2011 Good Neighbor Awards program for his youth community outreach program called "The Pink Chicken." Click here to learn more.

All New York State REALTORS, who have an interest in becoming more involved with NYSAR and who want to project a positive influence on the association and the industry, should consider applying for the 2012 NYSAR Leadership Academy. Click here for more information.

There are seven upcoming special elections scheduled for Tuesday September 13, 2011 including the 9th Congressional District, 23rd Assembly District, 27th Assembly District, 54th Assembly District, 73rd Assembly District, 116th Assembly District and the 144th Assembly District. If you are planning to attend the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings and need an absentee ballot, click here. Click here for more information.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that he will suspend the Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation special permitting requirements to help homeowners and businesses clean up and rebuild following the damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Irene. Click here to learn more.

The third quarter edition of Legal Lines is now available in the NYSAR Media Center. This issue covers several New York State specific cases including a case involving false dual agency allegations and another involving a broker's liability over comments posted by a third party on its website. It also covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's rules regarding the reduction of broker's commissions in short sale scenarios. Click here to read the third quarter edition of Legal Lines.

All New York brokers already involved or those who join the Broker Involvement Program from now until October 31, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new iPad! Click here to learn more.

Accredited Buyer Representative - Required Course will be offered September 15-16 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS office in Staten Island, NY. This course covers agency relationships, policy options, disclosure requirements and negotiating skills. Click here for more information or to register.

Your NYSAR membership gives you an extra 10 percent discount at NAR's REALTOR.org store. Shop the store and take advantage of exclusive savings on NAR's entire line of products and publications including books, brochures, DVDs, research reports and more. To redeem your 10-percent discount, visit http://www.realtor.org/store and simply enter member code "NYSAR2" at checkout.

RPAC of NY will be hosting its fourth annual "REALTORS Got Talent" fundraising event on Monday, September 12. This event has sold out every year and we expect this year to be no different. Reserve your ticket today! Click here to learn more.

Fred Cantor, from the Dutchess County Association of REALTORS submitted the high bid of $100 for the August RPAC online auction item, the set of Klean Kanteen water bottles. On behalf of RPAC of New York, thank you, Fred, for your consistent support. Fred has been an RPAC Sterling R investor ($1000+) for the past 11 years!

On behalf of New York's 51,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks the 2011 major donors for making an investment in RPAC. Click here to learn more.