RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State ranked number 43 of all 50 states for total foreclosure filings in November 2011. New York had 1,587 total foreclosure filings in the month of November. Click here to learn more.

The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation is now accepting applications for the newly created Next Generation Scholarship. This fund will award scholarships to the next generation of real estate professionals for higher education. Eligibility is limited to relatives of active NYSAR members living in New York State. 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 including Staten Island on January 5-6 (see "Upcoming Events" below for details). These classes will be free to members who register for another REALTOR Institute course, a $225 value. Click here to learn more.

According to the latest report from the state comptroller's office, with about 58 percent of municipalities reporting, 19 percent plan to override the 2-percent cap on local property taxes. On the county level, nearly one in four plan to override the cap. This count does not include school districts. Click here to learn more.

On December 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomoand legislative leaders announced they appointed 14 members to a new commission charged with enforcing ethics in state government. The new agency will oversee and investigate compliance by lawmakers. It will also monitor statewide elected officials as well as executive branch and legislative employees, while overseeing registration and conduct of lobbyists. Click here to learn more.

Late Thursday, December 15, Congress reached a deal on federal spending that temporarily avoids a government shutdown. Included in the legislation was an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to May 16, 2012. However, it is not the long-term extension NAR has been working for. Please take action and ask your senators to pass the five-year extension the House passed earlier this year. Click here to learn more.

Click here to read the entire Government Affairs weekly report.

The fourth quarter edition of Legal Lines is now available in the NYSAR Media Center. This issue covers a New York State specific case involving the breaching of fiduciary duty. It also covers Department of State (DOS) decisions to deny licenses based on kickback and bribe convictions. DOS second and third quarter administrative law judge decisions are also included. Click here to read the fourth quarter edition of Legal Lines.

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.

The NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings will be held February 13-16, 2012, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY. The meetings will feature committee meetings, inaugural dinner, the Association Update and more. Click here for more information or to register.

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. The course teaches you new methods of marketing and ways to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits.This course is free when you register for another GRI course. To take advantage of this deal, call 800-239-4432 to register. Click here for more information or to register for this course only.

Each year, thousands of influential leaders and the brightest minds attend Inman Connect to discover emerging trends and technology, to network and make deals, and to learn how to leverage the change that surrounds the real estate industry. Register today to attend Connect NYC, being held January 11-13, 2012, at NYSAR's exclusive members-only rate of $649 for the premium conference package. Click here for more details.

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.