PAC
SAAA Members : You may not realize , but local government and our elected officials affect the way we do business every day , because local ordinances and state laws impact nearly every facet of the rental housing industry . These laws involve your contracts , your insurance protections , your taxes , and the regulatory fees you pay .
• SAWS Rate Increases
• And the ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions on rental housing
The SAAA Political Action Committee ( PAC ) and the Government Affairs Committee work on behalf of SAAA members . We strive to develop and maintain productive relationships with key public officials at the local , state , and national levels . We are successful when we have active dialogue with public policy makers in order to ensure that legislation is favorable to our industry .
So , what have our Government Affairs Committee and your PAC investment accomplished recently ? To name a few successful feats :
• SAAA helped draft language for the City ’ s Emergency COVID-19 Rental Assistance program that helps make payments to rental housing providers when tenants are unable to pay due to being impacted by COVID-19 .
• Met with nine of the ten City Council Districts and the Mayor ’ s office on multiple occasions during the height of the local shut down to discuss rental housing issues and proposed ordinances .
• Successfully stopped an ordinance , proposed by a City Councilman , aimed at extending the Texas Supreme Court ’ s eviction moratorium by requiring a 60-day notice to vacate after the court ’ s order ended .
• SAAA was invited to give input when the City of San Antonio created the new “ Notice of Tenants Rights ” requirement .
• Developed a stronger relationship with the City Manager ’ s office and the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department that will ensure we have a seat at the table during policy changes and housing discussions .
We need your help to continue our efforts and there are many things on the future horizon :
• A City of San Antonio citizen advisory board for renters
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ( TDLR ) Updates . TDLR licenses and regulates nearly 40 programs , including several of interest to the rental housing industry such as towing , HVAC , electricians , boilers , and elevators .
• International Code Council reviews of local compliance codes .
As always , we take great pride in our achievements , but we must not lose sight of the fact that our work continues , and we cannot do it without a robust PAC Fund . I encourage you to :
• Make a base-level donation of $ 29.00 and be recognized in the SAAA magazine , your name will be featured through the calendar year .
• Speak with at least one ( 1 ) other person about the importance of contributing to the PAC and convince them to donate ; and ,
• Encourage involvement from all levels within your organization ! We have an on-site level donation and maintenance level donation at $ 15 .
If you care about your business and its ability to thrive in San Antonio and surrounding areas , please contribute to the SAAA Political Action Committee . It is through building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and grassroots advocacy that we can secure and provide dependable and quality rental housing .
Or call Government Relations Manager , Allison Cohen , at 210- 692-7792 for other ways to donate .
Special Note on PAC Donations State law prohibits corporate contributions to PACs . Therefore , donations cannot be paid with corporate checks or corporate credit cards . Your SAAA account cannot be billed . Personal , sole proprietor or partnership checks should be made payable to “ SAAA PAC ” and will be used as political contributions for local candidates favorable to the rental housing industry . Or , you may charge your personal , sole proprietor or partnership credit card . All contributions are voluntary , and you may contribute more or less than the guidelines suggested . SAAA PAC will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or the decision whether to contribute . In addition , political committees are required by law to report the name , mailing address ,
occupation , and name of employer for every donor .
POL . ADV . PAID FOR BY THE SAN ANTONIO APARTMENT ASSOCIATION