Start exploring the all-new NYSAR.com today to take advantage of the extensive resources available to you as a NYSAR member! On your first visit to the new site, you will have to create a "New User" account to login.

The March/April 2012 online issue of New York State REALTOR is now available by clicking here. This issue features several informative articles such as "Listings 101: How'd my listing get there?," "Legal Hotline: The 10 most misunderstood real estate laws" and "Meet the typical New York homebuyers and sellers." Click here to access this issue and past issues.

The $132.5 billion budget increases spending by 1.9 percent and addresses a nearly $2 billion deficit. NYSAR is pleased to report that the proposal to double the term for real estate licensees from two years to four and double the associated license fee was removed from the budget. There will be no change to real estate license terms and fees pursuant to this year's budget agreement. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR strongly opposes legislation that would require every real estate salesperson and real estate broker involved in or present during a real estate transaction to include his or her license number and signature on every document requiring a signature. Click here to learn more.

Thank you to all the brokers who have enrolled in the Broker Involvement Program since February. We are excited to announce that John Belanger of Royalview Realty Inc., Glens Falls, is the winner of the $100 Visa gift card drawing. Click here to learn more.

Click here to read the entire Government Affairs Weekly Report.

Today's NYSAR Radio, "Professional Standards" with special guest NYSAR Vice President of Board & Member Services Patrick Reilly will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, April 4, 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.

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 50 percent of your total individual travel costs including gas, tolls, and/or a hotel room up to $75! Click here to learn more.

Short Sales and Foreclosures (SFR) – "What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know" – will be offered April 12 at REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY. This course will provide you with the framework for understanding how to: qualify sellers for short sales; develop a short sale package; negotiate with lenders; tap into buyer demand; safeguard commissions; limit risk; and protect buyers. Click here for more information or to register.

Access affordable, exclusive voluntary products including accident, disability, cancer, critical illness, term-life and universal life insurance from Allstate. You can select the plans you need or bundle them together to enhance your coverage. This plan can be used as a supplement to the major medical plan or on its own. To learn more or get a customized quote, call 888-834-3664 x18626 or visit www.MyRealtorInsurance.com/NYSAR.

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

On behalf of NYSAR's 48,000 members, RPAC of New York thanks those REALTORS who have made an investment of at least $250. Click here to learn more.