Please donate $20 to the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation in honor of June being NYSAR Housing Opportunities Month and to help build awareness for housing opportunities in New York State. Everyone who donates $20 in the month of June will be entered into a drawing for a $50 American Express gift card. Click here to learn more.

Although it is not the long-term solution that NAR has been advocating, the Senate passed a 60-day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program last week. This extension will avoid a lapse in the program when the current authorization expires on May 31. A lapse would have affected thousands of real estate closings across the nation. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR is actively working on legislation in the New York State Legislature. Please see the following legislation along with NYSAR's memorandums in support or opposition. Contact the NYSAR Government Affairs Department for more information or with any comments 518-463-0300.

· NYSAR Supported License Law Amendments – A.9996 (Zebrowski)/S.6988-A (O'Mara) – To view NYSAR's memorandum in support this bill, click here.

· Well Water Education Act - A.7866 (Jaffee)/S.4755 (Saland) - To view a copy of NYSAR's memorandum in opposition this bill, click here. 

· Citizen Suits (A.4801Kavanagh) - To read NYSAR's memorandum in opposition, click here.

· Advertising Guidelines - NYSAR staff has reviewed this most recent proposal and is pleased to report that most of our recommendations have made it into this working document. Please click here to view further details about the contents of the proposed advertising regulations.

The Tuesday, June 5, NYSAR Radio show, with special guest NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly, will cover NYSAR legislative priorities and talking points to prepare listeners for Lobby Day. Tune in at 10 a.m. on June 5 by clicking here. Click here for more information.

NYSAR's annual Lobby Day will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Albany. Hundreds of REALTORS from throughout the state will gather at the Capitol to educate their legislators on issues, such as mandate relief, that matter to the real estate industry and to homeownership. 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.

REALTOR Institute 401 – "Get it Listed...Get it Sold!" – will be offered June 5 - 6 at the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS office in Albany, NY. In this course, you'll discover new methods of marketing and how to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 407 – "Building Your Real Estate Practice – will be offered June 7 at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS office in West Nyack, NY. In this course, you'll discuss business plans, recordkeeping and tax considerations for independent contractors, and managing priorities. This course also covers your fiduciary duties, the latest negotiating strategies and enhancing your services. Click here for more information or to register.

Certified International Property Specialist – "The Americas and International Real Estate" will be offered June 8 at Broker Heaven NY in New York City, NY. This course is designed to introduce real estate professionals to the basic skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate real estate transactions within the Americas by understanding regional differences. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR members can save 10 pecent on the Guardly Mobile Safety App. The app allows you to instantly connect with managers, colleagues, family and 9-1-1 when faced with safety concerns. Click here to learn more.

The May RPAC silent auction item is a Brookstone CD/DVD storage system. Bids must be placed by
Thursday, May 31, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR launched a new interactive RPAC fundraising map on the RPAC page of NYSAR.com. The map highlights when a local board reaches its 2012 RPAC fundraising goal. As a board reaches its goal, they will be shaded "Empire State apple red" with a note indicating their goal has been reached. Click here to learn more.