REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC)

What is RPAC?

RPAC is the REALTORS Political Action Committee. RPAC is the voice of tens of thousands of REALTORS in the political arena. RPAC was established to help elect candidates at the Federal, State, and Local levels who are supportive of the free enterprise system and private property rights. RPAC is nonpartisan committee that supports candidates and officials that support our philosophy.

Why Contribute to RPAC?
RPAC is not simply giving money to political candidates; it is INVESTING in your business and your commitment to preserving the future of the real estate industry.

How do I contribute?
Make a pledge to RPAC with this Pledge Card. Then attend any of the KCRAR RPAC fundraisers through the year. Your contributions made at those fundraisers will credited against your pledge and on September 1 you'll be billed for any remaining unfulfilled amount. It's an easy way to make a commitment and fulfill it as the year goes along.

What is RPAC doing for me?
RPAC has ensured that REALTORS®:

  • Pay no unearned referral fee demands
  • Pay no sales tax on commission

Some RPAC victories at the federal level:

  • Created an $8,000 first-time homebuyer refundable tax credit and $6,500 repeat homebuyer tax credit.
  • Successfully defended the current Mortgage Interest Federal Income Tax Deduction
  • Permanently prohibited banks in real estate
  • Established an additional standard deduction ($1000 on joint return/$500 on single) for property tax for those who do not itemize deductions.
  • Increased the FHA loan limits from 95% of local area median to 115% of local area median price, and increased the loan limits in low-cost areas to $271,050 from $200,160 and the high-cost cap to $625,500 from $362,790.
  • Enhanced the FHA program to help troubled homeowners by creating a new program, Hope for Homeowners, to refinance problematic subprime loans.
  • Increased the loan limits for veterans to 175% ($729,750) of the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae conforming loan limit through 2011 under the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program.
  • Established a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to increase the supply of affordable and entry-level housing.
  • Supported federal legislation and regulations to prevent predatory lending while keeping fair and affordable mortgage lending available.

Some RPAC victories at the state level:

  • Prohibited private transfer fees in both Kansas and Missouri.
  • Prohibited real estate document recording fee increases in Missouri.
  • Prohibited a government sweep of the KREC fee fund, which would have forced an increase in Kansas licensing fees.
  • Defeated various proposals in Missouri and Kansas that would have taxed Realtor commissions.
  • Supported new real estate and economic development tools in both Missouri and Kansas.
  • Worked with Home Inspectors to create legislation requiring registered home inspectors in Kansas.

Some recent RPAC victories at the local level:

  • Workable municipal sign ordinances that allow effective marketing of residential and commercial properties.
  • Equitable development codes that promote responsible growth and quality communities.
  • Secured zero fees for municipal rental and vacant property registration programs in KCMO.
  • Supported improvements to county assessment processes.
  • Supported valuable infrastructure improvements without increasing property taxes.

 

RPAC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a PAC?
PACs have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a popular term for a political committee organized by like-minded people for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. The PAC's money must come from voluntary contributions from members rather than the member's dues treasury. PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACs can give $5,000 to a federal candidate committee per election (primary, general, run-off or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual. State and local candidate committee maximums vary by state law.

Why should I contribute to RPAC?
Since 1969 RPAC has been promoting the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. During the last federal election cycle alone, RPAC contributed over $12 million to pro-REALTOR® candidates to Congress, making it the number one trade association political action committee in the nation.

Why has RPAC been successful?
In America the exercise of good government has its foundation in the participation of its citizens in politics. By definition of the work you do, REALTORS® are contributors to the American dream- home ownership. REALTORS® make it possible for people to bring value to their communities, their lives, to schools and to the future. Increasingly, REALTORS® are facing forces from many directions that threaten their ability to help bring about the American dream for more people. Increasing health care premiums, the economy, property tax burdens, rent controls, impact fees and the taking of private property for the public domain are only a quick handful of issues that somewhere, everyday REALTORS® confront.

How will my contribution be used?
100% of your contribution is used to elect pro-REALTOR candidates: 70% remains in the state to be used in state and local elections. 30% of your contribution will be forwarded to National RPAC to fund key U.S. House and Senate races. Until your state PAC reaches its RPAC goal 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates. RPAC is neither a Republican nor a Democratic organization. Your contribution to RPAC is a vote for a pro-REALTOR Congress, regardless of political party.

We look to build the future by putting RPAC dollars in places that will help advance the interests of Real Estate professionals. RPAC is the only political group in the country organized for REALTORS®, run by REALTORS® and exists solely to further issues important to REALTORS®.

Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without affecting your membership rights. 70% of each contribution is used by RPAC to support state and local political candidates. 30% of each contribution is sent to national RPAC. Of that amount, 90% is used by national RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a, while the remaining 10% is used for other federal grassroots political activities. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Contacts:

Derek Ramsay, Vice President for Missouri Government Affairs and Commercial Division

Cindy Green, Vice President for Kansas Government Affairs