INSIDE: Week Five Capitol Report Web version

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The BATC Beat

  • Update: We received a response from the court today on our request to delay the new building and energy code. Read more below.
     
  • We want to be heard. Only 1 week until Builder Day at the Capitol! Join us to show our legislators home building and remodeling matters.
     
  • School is cool! Earn your CE credits with BATC-U. Classes run though March. Sign up here.
     
  • Don't be a stranger. Learn more about BATC and what we have to offer at our next Member Orientation February 12th. Register today.
     
  • Sneak Peak! The 2015 Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase Guidebooks will begin delivery to Holiday Stationstores on Friday, and ParadeofHomes.org will go live at the same time!
     
  • Our Foundation volunteers deserve some recognition. Help us honor them! Register for the February 24th luncheon at the Golden Valley Country Club. KARE 11's Belinda Jensen will be our guest speaker!

Update: Court Denies Delay, Main Challenge Continues

Today BATC received notification from the MN Court of Appeals denying our petition for a stay (delay) of enforcement of the sprinkler mandate in the Building Code and Energy Code. In short, the Court stated that it has a limited standard of review and exercised significant deference to DLI. While BATC is disappointed in the outcome, we respect the decision of the court and now pivot to the next phase of the case which will review the appropriateness of the sprinkler mandate itself in the Building Code and the new Energy Code provisions.

What BATC Members Need to Know:

- The Building Code remains in effect during the on-going challenge; the Energy Code goes into effect on February 14, 2015.
- The main substance of BATC’s petition continues and will head to appeal. BATC believes the codes have substantial flaws and that DLI did not properly analyze the impact of the rule.
- The next steps include preparation and submission of the briefs and oral argument before the Court of Appeals, which is likely to occur in the next 2-3 months.


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2015 Session Week 5: Here's What You Need to Know

Week Five at the Capitol is in the books - Here’s what you need to know:

1. Met Council Oversight Sub-Committee Holds First Meeting - The Subcommittee on Metropolitan Council Accountability and Transparency held its first meeting last week. The Subcommittee heard from House Research staff who gave an overview of the Council’s operations and statutory charge.

2. Sprinkler Mandate Discussions Continue – Legislators continue to seek ways to help us with the sprinkler mandate. We expect these discussions to continue throughout the session as more legislators are responding to BATC's message on the importance of housing affordability in these regulatory code changes.

3. Proposed Attorneys Fee Bill Remains Tabled – Since its hearing over two weeks ago at the Senate Judiciary Committee, SF104 remains tabled in the Committee. The bill proposes to place attorney fees language ONLY to homeowners and not contractors, even if they are the prevailing party.

4. Workforce Housing Bill Introduced in House - HF 684 was introduced as a measure to increase workforce housing options in Greater Minnesota. BATC is supporting these initiatives which provide much-needed assistance to workforce homeowners. 

5. Builder Day at the Capitol – Join us on February 18th for the Builder Day at the Capitol

Read more >>


HOUSING FIRST: 2016 ELECTIONS - LET’S GO

Fresh off Housing First’s successful 2014 election efforts there is little time to celebrate. Housing First’s new leadership group convened last week and began laying the groundwork for our 2016 campaign which will feature all 201 legislative races and potentially a sample of local City Council and Mayoral races as well.   

THE BACKGROUND       

Housing First activities are discussed and prioritized by the Housing First Leadership Group and the BATC Executive Board. Election planning is done in two-year cycles and is integrated closely with BATC’s Strategic Plan.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Housing First Leadership Group and BATC Executive Board will approve an election cycle budget in the first quarter of 2015. Early fundraising has begun with over $110,000 in commitments already. Beyond fundraising, work has begun on polling, messaging, data development, and grassroots engagement. BATC is also coordinating closely with leading business groups, as we did in the 2014 election cycle. 

LEARN MORE AT BRS

The Housing First Hospitality Suite is back at the Builders and Remodelers Show! Join industry leaders and learn how Housing First’s efforts are elevating our industry and driving the housing affordability message.


4 Reasons to Attend Builder Day at the Capitol

Only 1 week left to register for Builder Day at the Capitol! We can't tell you enough how important it is for you to be there! Read here the top 4 reasons you should climb the Capitol steps with us. Don't miss out, Register today. 


Help us Honor Our Amazing Volunteers!

BATC members are the heart and soul of the BATC Foundation!  Join us as we honor our 2014 volunteers and unveil the recipient of our annual "Heart in Housing" hero. KARE 11's Belinda Jensen will be this year's keynote speaker.

When: February 24th at 11:30 am
Where: Golden Valley Country Club
Register here >>


Don't Skip Class! Join us for BATC-U

Earn Your CE Credits
Builders, Remodelers and Realtors! School is back in session. Earn your continuing education credits at BATC-U. Courses run through March! Register today!

Complete your NAHB CAPS Designation at BATC-U
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. Register for individual days OR all three, March 17, 18 & 19. Remember, CAPS courses have limited space so please sign up quickly!


Have You Reserved Your Spot at the BATC Job Fair?

Find your next great hire! There are still a few tables available at the BATC Job & Career Fair, February 19th at the Mall of America Rotunda. 

Participating Businesses:
All Sons' Exteriors, Inc.
AMEK Custom Builders, Inc.
American Workshop Career Education
Brush Masters Inc.
Dakota County Lumber Company
GreenGuard Construction, Inc.
Idc-automatic "The Garage Door Place"
Iron River Construction
JL Schwieters Building Supply Construction, Inc & Schwieters Companies
JNS Builders, LLC
Lampert Lumber
Lyman Companies
Pella Windows & Doors
Plekkenpol Builders, Inc.
Practical Systems Heating and Cooling
Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.
Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co.
SOLID-EMPLOYEES, LLC
Synergy Products, LLC
Tradesmen International

Sign up here >>


PR is the New Lobbying

BATC’s Strategic Plan and budget continue to emphasize strategic and dynamic communications. A recent study by the Center for Public Integrity confirms that we are on the right track. Read more >>


Boomerang Home Buyers Set to Return

Millennials aren't the only ones that could soon be looking to buy a house! 7.3 million home buyers that lost their homes during the recession may be ready to return to the market. Here's a prediction for where and when. Read more >>


Stay Up to Date on Industry News!

Have you checked out our blog The BATC Daily? We're constantly posting new content! It's your daily tool to stay up to date on all things BATC and housing industry news. 


Upcoming Calendar of Events

February 10 - 17
BATC-U Continuing Education [Register]
February 12
Member Orientation [Register]
February 18
Builder Day at the Capitol [Register]
February 19
Job and Career Fair at Mall of America [Get a Booth]
February 24
Foundation Annual Recognition Lunch with Belinda Jensen [Register]
February 28 - March 29
Parade of Homes
March 27 - 29
Remodelers Showcase
April 2
Builders and Remodelers Show [Register]
July 9
Mid-Year Residential Outlook Breakfast [Register]

For a complete list of events, visit our website at WWW.BATC.ORG.


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