It is imperative you take action now and tell your senator and member of Congress to remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest. The mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy.

Please respond to the Call for Action now if you haven't already by clicking here.

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were up 1.8 points to 4.4 percent in November, while overall consumer confidence increased.

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In its third quarter U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report, RealtyTrac, Inc. reported New York State total foreclosure sales increased from the previous quarter and decreased from the 2011 third quarter.

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According to a report issued by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, if Congress fails to act to avert sweeping federal tax hikes and spending cuts by January 1, New Yorkers could face more than $43 billion in tax increases and lose $609 million in federal aid next year.

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The New York State Senate will be led by a coalition of Republicans and a group of five Democrats who broke away from their party to form a separate Independent Democratic Caucus, marking the first time power in the chamber will be shared. Governor Andrew Cuomo has given his "conditional support" for the new coalition.

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Arguments over disputed ballots in the 46th Senate District race between Republican George Amedore and Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk began last week in Montgomery County Supreme Court. After an extensive recanvassing and counting of absentee ballots, Amedore currently leads Tkaczyk by 111 votes.

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Click here to read the entire Government Affairs weekly report.

Today's NYSAR Radio show will cover advertising and social media. Visit the NYSAR Radio page on NYSAR.com at 10 a.m. to listen live on your computer using the player or click here to listen on your Apple computer. You will need to be logged in to listen. If you have not yet created your account with the website you will need to click on "New User" on the Member Login page and follow the prompts. The show will also re-air tomorrow at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Click here for more information as well as a list of links to play NYSAR Radio from any of your mobile devices.

All REALTORS must take ethics training that complies with specific learning objectives and criteria prior to December 31, 2012. Click here to learn more.

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Short Sales elective course – will be offered January 1 at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS in White Plains, NY. This course explains the similarities and differences in the U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac HAFA programs designed to streamline and unify the short sale process. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR's partnership with UPS gives you access to exclusive shipping discounts – up to 30 percent! Enroll today to start saving on every package you send. Visit http://www.savewithups.com/nysar or call 800-325-7000 to enroll.

NYSAR's health insurance plans, administered by USI Affinity and underwritten by MVP Health Care, 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. Don't wait, review plan options and get your customized quote today.Visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar or call 888.834.3713 x18626 to speak with Ned Cox, NYSAR's dedicated benefits counselor.

RPAC of New York, in conjunction with the RPAC committees from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, held a High Rollers' Suite during Triple Play in Atlantic City, NJ. More than 100 RPAC investors attended the event, which raised more than $25,000 for RPAC. All funds will be applied toward the 2013 RPAC fundraising year.

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Congratulations to our November RPAC auction winner Linda Bonarelli Lugo from the Long Island Board of REALTORS. Linda submitted the high bid of $100 for the Brookstone towel warmer. Thank you Linda for your continued support and investment in RPAC. Linda was a RPAC Major Investor ($1,000 or more) in 2010, 2011 and 2012!