BUILDER NEWS A Show of Unity on Canadian Lumber rigNAHB CEO Jerry Howard, far 3 Issues That Worry State and Local Leaders prThe latest news about weakening state revenues, federal tax-reform oposals that target the deduction for state and local taxes, and shifting demographics in the public workforce is giving a lot of state and local government leaders a headache. It’s enough to make anyone reach for the aspirin bottle. But the good news is that, rather than relying on analgesics, thoughtful public leaders are engaging in plenty of dialogue about these issues while keeping a focus on priorities and how to adapt to a challenging future. Certainly budgeting and spending considerations present a continuing challenge. While state general-fund revenues are projected to grow by 3.1 percent in fiscal year 2018, general-fund spending on Medicaid is expected to grow by 4.3 percent, reports the National Association of State Budget Officers. Revenue collections fell below budgets in 33 states in fiscal 2017, so state budget experts are cautious. And when state budgets are squeezed, local budgets become even more constrained. Alexandria, Va., has already cut everything it can in recent years, says Mayor Allison Silberberg, so “any further cuts come from the marrow of the bone.” Take housing, a growing challenge in the nation. Local governments would like to see more, not less, state and federal financial support for workforce and affordable housing. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal block grant program designed to create affordable housing for low-income households. Yet, the Trump administration’s proposed budget has targeted HOME for elimination. The homelessness crisis is a related challenge that local governments face without sufficient help from the federal or state governments. Read More 28 HBRA of Fairfield County | SEPTEMBER 2017 ht, participated in a forum on Canadian softwood lumber this morning at the Canadian embassy in Washington that included Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton and special softwood lumber envoys from the Canadian provinces. Howard said that he can’t overstate the importance of solving the U.S.Canadian softwood lumber dispute in which the U.S. Commerce Department has imposed duties averaging 26.75% on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. The tariffs are harming housing affordability and forcing builders to look overseas to Germany and Russia in order to meet demand. Read More A new home for HSL Building Company new headquart We’re excited about our ers in Westport, CT. Located in a renovated and repurposed mill, the office has many modern luxuries as well as historic design details From Scarsdale to North Salem, HSL Building Company is now licensed for custom home construction, renovations, and estate management in Westchester County. We’ve earned our reputation working closely with a network of architects, interior designers, and contractors and now we’re bringing our expertise to Westchester. Visit hslbuilding.com for more information
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