After weeks of negotiation, lawmakers passed several important reform measures including the Tier VI pension reform plan that is expected to save local government more than $80 billion over the next 20 years, providing significant relief to taxpayers throughout the state. Click here to read NYSAR CEO Duncan MacKenzie's statement. Click here to learn more.

In its fourth quarter and year-end U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report, which reports total number of foreclosed homes sold, RealtyTrac, Inc. reported New York State total foreclosure sales decreased significantly both from the previous year and the previous quarter. Click here to learn more.

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is currently accepting applications for REALTOR Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards, which recognizes REALTORS who devote themselves to volunteer service. Each winner will receive a $10,000 grant for his or her charity. Entries must be received by Friday, May 18. Click here to learn more.

Last week, both the Senate and Assembly introduced and adopted their own one-house budget resolutions. The Senate plan includes tax cuts for small businesses and $275 million in rebate checks to senior citizens currently eligble for the enhanced STAR tax-relief program. The Assembly plan includes personal income tax breaks. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR's annual Lobby Day will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Albany. NYSAR will once again reimburse anyone wishing to participate in Lobby Day with 50 percent of your total individual travel costs including gas, tolls, and/or a hotel room up to $75! Click here to learn more.

Beginning July 16, 2012, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB) will no longer be allowed to deal in mortgages on properties encumbered by private transfer fee covenants that do not benefit the property. Click here to learn more.

Today's NYSAR Radio, "Agency, Part 1: Seller's Agents" will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also listen to it any time after tomorrow, by visiting NYSAR.com. To listen to the show during one of its regularly scheduled hours, click here.

Please note that when you visit NYSAR.com and you are prompted to log in, you will need to click on "New User" to set up your account.

REALTOR Institute 409 – "Equal and Ethical Service" – will be offered March 26 - 27 at the Long Island REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course fulfills the Code of Ethics training requirement for REALTOR membership and the fair housing training requirement for NYS license renewal. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 406 – "Price it Right...Understanding the Appraisal Process" – will be offered March 27 at Ithaca Board of REALTORS in Ithaca, NY. This course will familiarize you with appraisal principles, how appraisers must operate (USPAP Standards), what their responsibilities are, and to whom. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 402 – "Real Estate Legal Issues" – will be offered March 29 - 30 at Columbia Greene Board of REALTORS in Hudson, NY. This course gives you a clear understanding of agency practice and policy issues, and by learning to avoid misrepresentation, antitrust and fair housing violations. Click here for more information or to register.

The Guardly Connect mobile safety application allows you to instantly connect with managers, colleagues, family and 9-1-1 when faced with safety concerns. In addition, your NYSAR membership gives you a 10-percent discount. Click here to learn more.

The March RPAC silent auction item is a Microsystem for iPod & iPhone. Bids must be placed by March 30, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of RPAC of NY by investing $40 in a limited edition anniversary pin. Click here to learn more.