Greater Tampa REALTORS® supports state-wide initiative to protect the Sadowski Act
TAMPA, FL (July 9, 2021) Greater Tampa REALTORS® (GTR) is supporting Florida Realtors®’ historic statewide effort to place a constitutional amendment on the 2022 General Election ballot to protect affordable housing. Success of the Housing Funds for Housing (www.Housingfunds4housing.org) petition would guarantee that the portion of the taxes charged on documents such as deeds and mortgages will only be used to make homes and apartments safer and more affordable for seniors, low-income, and moderate-income Florida residents. The intended purpose of these funds is that they be used for housing programs, but for nearly two decades the legislative process has resulted in billions of these dollars being used for non-housing projects.
According to 2021 Florida Realtors® President Cheryl Lambert, “For decades, our organization has been an outspoken champion for Florida’s affordable housing programs and their ability to help hard-working Floridians find stable housing. Those programs are now in jeopardy due to the recent actions of the Florida Legislature.” She goes on to say that, “After reviewing extensive research provided by our long-standing political partner Strategic Guidance Systems (SGS), and by direction of the Public Advocacy Advisory Group, and the unanimous approval of the Executive Committee, Florida Realtors® will be initiating a constitutional amendment campaign that will ask voters in 2022 to permanently prevent the use of housing trust fund dollars for anything other than the housing programs they were designed to support.”
The initiative requires one million signatures by December 31, 2021, to add the constitutional amendment to the 2022 General Election ballot. 2021 GTR President Ellie Lambert (no relations to Cheryl Lambert) supports the Association’s efforts to not only rally real estate professionals to take action but also pursue outreach endeavors to get endorsements from all GTR’s community stakeholders.
Those willing to provide signatures are asked to download, complete and mail the Housing Funds for Housing petition by clicking here or contacting GTR’s Director of Government Affairs Jacob Bruynell at 813510.7991 (jacob@TampaRealtors.org) to request a fillable form. As a convenience, petitioners may also drop off signed petitions to the GTR headquarter office located at 2918 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33609 as soon as possible and before Friday, December 3, 2021. GTR staff will arrange delivery of the signed petitions monthly.
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About Greater Tampa REALTORS®
As “Your Premier Real Estate Resource” in Tampa since 1911, Greater Tampa REALTORS® (GTR), represents nearly 13,000 members and is the largest Tampa Bay-based professional association of real estate brokers and sales associates conducting business throughout the Bay area.
GTR is represents REALTORS® who are involved in the following specialties: residential sales, commercial sales and investment, property management, and appraisals. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.