More than 9,600 REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to advance key real estate issues during the 2017 REALTOR® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, May 15-20.

Arizona REALTORS® members and Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) converged on Capitol Hill to advocate for key real estate issues with regulatory agency staff and lawmakers.

FPCs Orlando Cazarez, Frank Dickens, Pam Frestedt, Nikki Halle, Jan Leighton, Jerome King, Holly Mabery, Gary Nelson, Craig Sanford and Duane Washkowiak met with representatives of the House and Senate to discuss and influence public policy decisions that directly affect consumers’ ability to own, buy, rent and sell residential and commercial real estate.

“Our FPCs spend many hours working with (state association) staff to make sure our delegates have an opportunity to spend time with our elected officials to bring forward the issues we are facing at home and nationally,” said featured attendee and guest blogger Emmy Simpson. “This year, our talking points included flood insurance, tax reform, and protecting sustainable homeownership.”

Also in attendance were Lisa Paffrath (Flagstaff), Marge Lindsay (Phoenix) and Lisa Suarez (Tucson). Paffrath was the first in Arizona to earn the Masters of Real Estate from REALTOR® University during member meetings in D.C.

REALTOR® University offers the only accredited Master’s program focused exclusively on Real Estate. With its academically rigorous graduate degree program, Paffrath experienced a best-in-class online education with practical skills that can elevate her business.

Lindsay and Suarez were inducted into the National Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee Hall of Fame for their contributions to support the REALTOR® Party.

The Hall of Fame recognizes members whose RPAC investments total an aggregate of at least $25,000. Both women were recognized with a lapel pin, an inscription of their name on a plaque on NAR’s building rooftop in Washington, D.C. and a plaque commemorating their support.

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