According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans decreased 0.5 points to 3 percent in December. Overall, New York State consumer confidence increased 5.1 points. Click here to learn more.

According to a recent report from Lending Tree, New York State's average down payment cost is 13.51 percent of the purchase price, the third highest percentage in the nation. Click here for more.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his 2012 State of the State address on Wednesday, where he called upon New Yorkers to work together to build a "new New York." In his speech, the governor outlined an extensive plan to address, and hopefully remedy, the state's continued economic problems while also creating sustainable jobs for the future. Click here to learn more.

To help prevent and forestall this potential crisis, the New York State Department of Financial Services is creating a new unit to help people avoid losing their homes and crack down on foreclosure abuse. Click here to learn more.

The National Association of REALTORS sent a letter to theSenate majority leader requesting that H.R. 3630, the "Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2011", be revised or defeated to ensure that Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's credit risk guarantee fees (g-fees) continue to be used solely for the purpose of minimizing the loss exposure of the government-sponsored enterprises (Enterprises), investors and taxpayers. Click here to learn more.

Click here to read the entire Government Affairs Weekly Update.

Today's NYSAR Radio show covering "The Proper use of the Agency Disclosure Form" will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, January 11, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also listen to it any time after tomorrow, by clicking here. To listen to the show during one of its regularly scheduled hours, click here.

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, the inaugural dinner, the Association Update and more. Click here for more information or to register.

CIPS – "Global Real Estate: Local Markets" – will be offered January 17 at the Manhattan Association of REALTORS office in New York, NY. This course will help you uncover global opportunities in your local market. This course also provides elective credit toward the ABR designation and the RSPS certification. Click here to learn more or to register.

NYSAR's Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Training will be offered January 19 at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia, NY. This course provides attendees with an update on professional standards, Code of Ethics and enforcement procedures, plus other changes adopted by NAR's Board of Directors or Delegate Body. It also satisfies both NAR's new member and quadrennial ethics training requirement. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR's health insurance plans offer members four cost-effective, comprehensive plan options all with prescription drug coverage, a nationwide provider network, flexible care with no referrals and much more. Click here to learn more.

Take refuge from NYSAR's hectic business meetings by visiting the RPAC Lounge on Tuesday, February 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you'll gain all-day access to food, beverage, business facilities and pampering! Gain admittance with a $250 RPAC pledge or investment. Stay tuned to NYSAR.com for more details.

The January RPAC silent auction item is a Magellan Roadmate GPS. Bids must be placed by January 31 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.

On behalf of New York's 51,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks those members who recently invested at least $250 in RPAC. Click here to learn more.