By-Law Change Proposal - Vote June 16th Click for More Info
NAHB - Lumber Update
Date: May 7, 2021 To: NAHB National Area Chairman State Representatives HBA Presidents Executive Officers
From: NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke
Re: LUMBER UPDATE - Commerce Secretary Pledges to Make Lumber a Priority and Other NAHB Initiatives
NAHB’s relentless grassroots efforts urging the Biden administration and Congress to address the growing problem of rising lumber and material prices along with supply shortages is showing results.
This is the association’s top priority and I want to let you know that during a congressional hearing on May 6, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo responded to a request by Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) to make rising lumber prices and production issues a priority by stating: “I promise you I will.”
Meanwhile, in a Senate hearing last week, Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) cited concerns to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai about the harm that lumber tariffs and the lack of supply chain regarding lumber are having on American home builders and home buyers.
“Softwood lumber will always be in my sights in the conversations with Canada,” said Kai, who added that she will seek to “engage our Canadian counterparts in some out of the box thinking on this issue.”
It’s no coincidence that in recent congressional hearings, lawmakers are asking top administration officials to take action on lumber. This renewed urgency in Congress and the administration about the lumber price crisis and the need to find solutions is directly attributable to the tireless efforts of our Federation.
And at yesterday’s House hearing. Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) specifically cited NAHB data on how “overall lumber prices have tripled and the increase translates into a nearly $36,000 increase in the price of the average single-family home.”
Cline went on to ask Raimondo if she could discuss what resources may be available or have been dedicated by the Commerce Department to look into the causes of skyrocketing lumber prices, what impact this is having on the economy and whether the secretary could commit to working with industry stakeholders and with Congress to identify the challenges and potential solutions to the crisis.
“I agree with you that the home building industry and the housing sector is a vital portion of our economy and they are struggling as you say,” said Raimondo. “And what I can commit to you is to follow up with you to work collaboratively with you … because I understand the problem and it affects the whole industry.”
And from coast to coast, members of our Federation stepped up this week to bring the lumber crisis to the forefront during Bringing Housing Home, NAHB’s 2021 in-district Legislative Conference. Members have held more than 140 meetings with their representatives and senators to discuss the lumber price crisis and its impact on home building and housing affordability, along with other key issues of concern to the housing community.
I invite you to view these two short videos – one highlighting the House hearing and the other on our media efforts which we will be posting on social media. And please share your lumber story by sending us images of your current lumber receipts and receipts paid before the current price hikes. We may use these images in social media ad campaigns; however, we will not show any personal information about you or your business. Your testimonials will help us further illustrate to the administration and Congress why a plan to address the lumber crisis is urgently needed.
Finally, please see the attached report for a full view of our efforts and outreach. We view these positive developments as the beginning of the process. The road ahead will be long and challenging but I pledge that NAHB will leave no stone unturned in our effort to achieve a remedy to the lumber crisis that will ensure an adequate supply of lumber to the U.S. marketplace at a reasonable price.
The Metropolitan Builders Association Announces the 2020 Virtual Parade of Homes
MBA Member Requirements for Open Houses and MBA Events Safer At Home Requirements During the Safer At Home Order there are specific requirements that apply to MBA Members that are deemed Essential Businesses and Operations such as Real Estate Services.
Member Alert from the WBA: Home Warranty Corporation Receivership Claims A number of members are being contacted by a company called "VonWin Capital Management, L.P." offering to purchase the member's claim distributions from the Home Warranty Corporation. The offers from VonWin may be significantly lower than the actual claim itself. Read more >>
Having Trouble Getting or Renewing Your Contractors License ? The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is upgrading their website. It is now called the electronic Safety and Licensing Application know as eSLA. If you are a current user of eSLA, please note that services were down May 31 - June 2 and will be down June 6, 5 p.m. to June 9, 11:59 p.m. for system upgrade. During this time, you WILL NOT be able to conduct any electronic transactions through eSLA. Go to esla.wi.gov. Starting June 10, you must begin using the electronic Safety and Licensing Application (eSLA) system to submit plan reviews, schedule inspections, make online payments, and conduct license look-ups with DSPS. See below for instructions on how to us eSLA. HOW TO USE eSLA 1. Go to https://esla.wi.gov 2. If you currently hold or previously held a credential or have conducted business with the Department, create a new account by clicking “Existing DSPS Customer”. 3. Click on the “Obtain Security Code” to link your existing data from the old system to eSLA. 4. Submit the emailed linked to your DSPS or submit your SSN. 5. After you receive your code, return to previous page to create your account. NEED SUPPORT? If you have questions or need assistant, contact the DSPS Help Desk at (608) 266-2112 or email eslasupport@wisconsin.gov. eSLA FAQs >>
