Page 8 - Builder Brief July 2025

2 0 2 5 P R E S I D E N T
YOUR ASSOCIATION’S
POLITICAL POWER AT WORK
We just returned from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, and your leadership team had
a very productive trip. We were able to meet with five Congressmen, one
Congresswoman, and I attended the meeting with Senator Cornyn, along
with Ed Berlanga, my wife, Candy, and the senior officers from the Texas
Association of Builders (TAB).
Over 1,000 NAHB members from local builders’ associations across
the nation participated in the Legislative Conference. While the One Big
Beautiful Bill was the main topic of discussion, we also focused on housing
affordability. We shared details on the restrictive energy codes, workforce
development, immigration, proposed tariffs, as well as our stand on the
proposed tax policy.
The One Big Beautiful Bill, which focuses on significant tax changes,
passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 218 to 214 on
Thursday, July 3rd. The Senate approved it on Tuesday, July 1st. We expect
the President to sign the landmark legislation right away.
NAHB successfully secured several beneficial provisions for the housing
industry. From the beginning, NAHB was successful in preventing the
elimination of carried interest and limiting the amount of tax a business could
deduct for state and local taxes. Even as recently as this past week, NAHB
was successful in securing several provisions from the House-passed bill
that were included in the Senate bill currently being considered.
NAHB expressed disappointment in the Senate bill’s early termination
of energy tax credits, such as the 45L, and GSABA members share this
sentiment. Still, they are pleased with the Senate’s reversal of course in
the treatment of third-party solar leasing arrangements. The Senate bill
will increase the individual state and local tax (SALT) cap from $10,000 to
$40,000, albeit only for the next 5 years.
8 JULY 2025 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
J E F F K U W A M U R A
The Senate bill includes key tax provisions that
we all support, including making permanent the
current marginal tax rates, restoring 100% bonus
depreciation, permanently increasing the higher
alternative minimum tax exemptions, permanently
expanding the low-income housing credit, and
increasing the estate tax exemption with the increase
made permanent.
The bill also leaves the mortgage interest
deduction rules untouched but makes a change to
allow homeowners to deduct mortgage insurance
premiums. The Senate bill expands an exemption
NAHB calls the completed contract rules, which
ensure the single-family homes are not taxed until
they are finished and sold. The Senate bill would
also allow condos to qualify for this tax treatment,
which we have advocated for in the past.
The bill also includes provisions to increase
domestic timber production as well as additional
resources for workforce development, which is
excellent news for our industry. Except for the early
termination of 45L, NAHB and the local and state
associations were successful in securing many pro-
housing tax provisions along with an unprecedented
increase in the Housing Credit program, which will
provide $1.22 million in affordable housing over the
next ten (10) years.
When you pay your annual dues investment, a
portion of your dues is sent to TAB and NAHB. Our
state and national association work tirelessly for our
members every day! I urge you to get involved- there
is strength in numbers!
Sincerely,
Jeff Kuwamura