Issues

RPAC decides whether to support candidates based exclusively on the candidate's position on real estate issues. MNAR has adopted public policy positions, which guide Minnesota RPAC's Candidate evaluation. Here is a summary of those positions:

General
MNAR supports measures that:

• Promote home ownership
• Protect private property rights

MNAR opposes regulations that would:

• Increase the cost of property transactions
• Weaken private property rights
• Create obstacles to home ownership
• Impose government mandates that single out particular property owners

Taxes and Fees
MNAR supports funding government with broad-based taxes that do not single out buyers and seller,s increase the cost of transferring property, or harm home ownership incentives. Accordingly, MNAR opposes:

• Eliminating the mortgage interest deduction
• Eliminating the property tax deduction
• Extending sales tax to real estate services
• Increasing the state deed tax
• Expanding county mortgage registry and deed tax surcharges
• Increasing recording fees

Property Taxes and Local Government
MNAR has long advocated that "a house is a house." In other words, MNAR supports:

• Compressing the class rates to reduce the gap between the highest and lowest taxed properties
• Promoting the concept that taxpayers should receive relief based on their ability to pay, not a municipality's needs
• Implementing a property tax refund rather than providing direct aid to local governments, as the refund helps people directly and is based on a person's ability to pay

Similarly, MNAR opposes levy limits and instead advocates the position that local leaders and voters should decide what levies are appropriate for their communities.

Disclosure
Current law requires that sellers and real estate licensees must disclose material facts of which they are aware that could adversely and significantly affect an ordinary purchaser's use or enjoyment of a property.

MNAR supports the current disclosure law.

Environment
MNAR believes that environmental issue pertaining to real property (such as those relating to septic systems, radon, methamphetamine, wells and lead-based paint), should be regulated by the state on a regular basis. MNAR opposes measures to address environmental issues only when a property is transferred, as it is an ineffective means of environmental protection and provides obstacles to efficient land transactions.

Transportation
MNAR understands that REALTORS^® drive as part of their job. Thus, MNAR opposes:

• A "Vehicle Miles Traveled" provision that imposes additional fiscal burdens on those who drive for their careers
• Providing cities with the authority to impose street utility fees

Candidates

Minnesota RPAC wants REALTORS^® to get the best bang for their buck. Accordingly, RPAC targets its contributions in two areas: incumbents who have demonstrated their commitment to working with and for REALTORS^® and open seat candidates with whom MNAR hopes to build good working relationships. RPAC also donates to legislative caucuses and contributes to gubernatorial candidates.

The primary goal of RPAC contributions is driven by principle: to support candidates who are committed to REALTOR^® causes. The secondary goal is driven by pragmatism: to support candidates who will be elected and serving in positions important to REALTOR^® issues.

Based on these two objectives, RPAC was an active participant in the 2010 elections. Below is information regarding RPAC's 2010 election activity:

Total Candidates Supported: 62
DFL: 35 (57%)
GOP: 26 (41%)
IP: 1 (2%)

Minnesota House: Representatives Champion, Dill, Dittrich, Eken, Hansen, Kulick Jackson, Lillie, Mullery, Norton, Rosenthal and Simon

House Open Seats: Marion Greene, Carol Lewis, Ted Winter, Mick McGuire, Kevin Goedker, Kurt Daudt, Tim O'Driscoll, Bob Barrett, Joe McDonald, Chris Swedzinski, Duane Quam, John Howe

Minnesota Senate: Senators Betzold, Saltzman, Saxhaug, Skoe and Sparks

Senate Open Seats: Tim Reinert, John Harrington, Bruce Hentges, Scott Newman, Dave Thompson, Michelle Benson, Gary Dahms, Doug Magnus, Ted Daley, Benjamin Kruse

District Contibutions: Senator Bakk with Representatives Dill and Murphy; Senator Metzen with Representatives Atkins and Hansen; Senator Rest with Representatives Peterson and Carlson; Senator Scheid with Representatives Hillstrom and Nelson