According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans increased slightly in November. Overall, New York State consumer confidence and the nation's confidence increased at nearly the same pace. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR has partnered with local boards and associations to offer "Get It Listed...Get It Sold!" in 12 locations around New York State. Each class will be free to members who register for another REALTOR Institute course, a $225 value. Click here to learn more.

Last week during a special session called by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Senate and Assembly passed legislation that would provide a modest tax break for middle income families and a slight tax increase to the state's wealthiest residents. The governor plans to sign the measure into law soon and the new tax rates will take effect in January. Click here to learn more.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that $785 million has been awarded through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The big four winners were: western New York; central New York; the North Country; and Long Island. The monies will be used for various projects including infrastructure development and repair, and job creation. Click here to learn more.

While an extension was passed to keep the National Flood Insurance Program funded through May 31, 2012, it is still imperative that a longer term measure is passed to remove uncertainty in the market. Take action and tell Congress that the five-year measure approved by the House earlier this year must be passed by the Senate and signed into law. Click here to take action now. Click here to learn more.

Click here to read the entire Government Affairs weekly report.

Today's NYSAR Radio topic is "2011 in review" and will air at 10 a.m. In case you miss the show, you can catch it when it re-airs tomorrow, Wednesday, December 14, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or anytime by visiting http://www.nysar.com/content/nysarradio.htm. To listen to the show during one of its regularly scheduled hours, click here.

Submit your most creative video telling everyone the value of working with a New York State REALTOR and you could win a $500 American Express gift card! Submissions must be received by December 31, 2011. Click here to learn more.

REALTOR Institute 401 – "Get it Listed...Get it Sold" – will be offered January 5-6 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS office in Staten Island, NY. This teaches you new methods of marketing and ways to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits. Click here for more information or to register.

Enroll today to receive your electricity and/or natural gas for your home or business from NYSAR's energy partner Energy Plus, an Energy Supply Company (ESCO). You'll receive an activation bonus and earn cash back for each account you enroll, while still receiving the same reliable service from your local utility company. Click here to learn more.

New York REALTORS invested $13,175 during the one-day RPAC VIP Lounge at Triple Play. Thank you to those REALTORS who visited the lounge and made an investment in RPAC. Also, congratulations to Susan Goldy for placing the high bid of $675 for the "Pride of New York" gift basket featured in the silent auction. Click here to learn more.

The December RPAC silent auction item is Kindle e-reader. Bids must be placed by December 30, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.