Page 5 - BB_JULY2017_FINALCOPY

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The National Association of Home Builders

2017 Legislative Conference

This year has been one of growth and I sincerely appreciate the investment each of you make to our
Association. We are working diligently to take the Association to the next level. The Executive Leadership
Team and the Board of Directors believe that we have the vision and resources to make GSABA one of
the top trade associations in the nation. We must make a commitment to represent the homebuilding
industry on the local, state and national levels.
In June, I led a delegation of San Antonio homebuilders and Associate members to Washington, D.C.
to attend the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) 2017 Legislative Conference and Mid-Year
meetings. This great opportunity mirrors what we do in Texas with the Texas Association of Builders (TAB)
Wayne Moravits Rally Day. The national conference focuses on federal lawmakers who we have built relationships with
President over the past several years. If you haven’t been to the NAHB Legislative Conference, I highly recommend
it. Personally, it was an eye-opening experience and proved how important our local, state and national
government affairs outreach is in today’s political climate.
Our team met with Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Representative Lamar Smith (TX-21), Representative Will Hurd (TX-23),
Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), and Senator Ted Cruz’s Chief of Staff, all in one day
on Capitol Hill -- notice that GSABA representatives met with both Republicans and Democrats. I watched as the Senate debated
a controversial bill and saw how divided our lawmakers are on many issues. I also realized that no matter what side you are
on, Americans want what’s best for future generations. Our industry’s issues are bipartisan and they received the attention of our
Congressional delegation and Senators.
Some of the issues we discussed included reducing regulations that harm small business, reforming the nation’s housing finance
system, protecting tax incentives that promote homeownership and affordable rental housing, improving the Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit, enabling a supply of softwood lumber sufficient to meet demand, creating a national flood insurance program that is
predictable and affordable, and promoting sensible energy codes that are locally-driven. If Congress solves these issues, we will
ensure that the dream of owning a home remains a reality for millions of Americans.
Any trip to Washington, DC can’t be all work and no fun! I spent one day with my family touring the national monuments and
memorials. It was a moving experience for all of us and I cannot wait to take my family back to Washington D.C. to see what else our
nation’s capital has to offer.
Through the first half of 2017, GSABA has accomplished many things. We orchestrated a successful Parade of Homes under the
direction of Chairman Dominick Alongi, the GSABA staff, eight Parade Builders and the Development team. We also hosted several
social events including the largest and most profitable Fishing Tournament in the history of the Association. Thanks to Chairman
Gilbert Sanchez and his outstanding committee. GSABA members were also part of TAB’s very productive State legislative campaign.
Together we navigated citywide elections and offered great education opportunities for members and their staffs. We have come
far, but we have so much more to accomplish this year. Thank you for your membership and helping us take this Association to the
next level.
I look forward to seeing you soon!

Wayne Moravits, President