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RAMP REALTOR® Blogs
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Category: Advocacy
News from RAMP's Government Affairs Department.
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Posted on 4/16/2013 1:54 PM By Ryan Barton |
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Good Afternoon,
Here is our April edition of our advocacy insider. This edition features PAR’s Public Policy Seminar, Pittsburgh politics, upcoming events and what our Government Affairs Department has been up to.
As always, it is a pleasure to be working on behalf of all of you and if anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at ryanb@realtorspgh.com or on my cell at 412-980-9629.
PAR Public Policy Seminar:
RAMP members Bebe English, Jerry Speer, David Dean and Vickie Lowry traveled to Harrisburg to attend the seminar that featured many state lawmakers briefing us on many issues facing our industry.
However, the four issues that we are lobbying to pass currently are:
Seller Financing – Currently trying to pass the State Senate
Mechanics Lien – SB 145 (Senator Ward’s Bill) just passed the Senate Labor and Industry Committee today
Property Tax Reform – There are many pieces of legislation in both the House and Senate
Real ...
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Posted on 3/8/2013 10:24 AM By Jeffery Zirngibl |
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With a little more than two months to go before the Primary election that includes the race for Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh, candidates are are putting together their campaigns. Of course, the biggest news is that the incumbent, Luke Ravenstahl, has decided to not run for re-election. His decision has thrown the race wide open with more Democrats considering a run at the Primary.
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Posted on 2/27/2013 3:33 PM By Ryan Barton |
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I know many Realtors are concerned and have questions about the 2013 millage rates for the City, County and local municipalities. I understand the need to fairly address the concerns of your clients and I want to make sure you have the necessary information to answer all of their questions.
Below is some information you can provide to your clients and use for yourselves. This should give you a better understanding of what tax rates might be. The below links are not exact or perfect, but it should give your clients an accurate estimate.
For the City of Pittsburgh: http://pittsburghpa.gov/property-tax-worksheet/
For Allegheny County: http://www.anytimeestimate.com/PA_REAL_ESTATE_TAX_INSTRUCTIONS/allegheny-county-property-tax-calculation.htm
http://www.anytimeestimate.com/CALCULATORS/pa-allegheny-calculator.htm
2013 Millage rate is 4.73 mills or $.473 per $100.00 valuation - http://www.alleghenycounty.us/treasure/tax.aspx
Municipality and School District Estimates: http:// ...
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Posted on 2/27/2013 3:29 PM By Ryan Barton |
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RAMP needs your urgent help to protect our private property rights in Mt. Lebanon.
The ask is simple, remind Mt. Lebanon Commissioners about our position on protecting our property rights.
RAMP supports working with local municipalities to draft ordinances to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all residents and property owners. RAMP believes that municipalities can enact legislation to ensure resident safety while not placing an undue burden on a select portion of the population, such as rental property owners and renters.
Please send this message to the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners today at commission@mtlebannon.org. And thank you for your support!
Read more about this issue here:
http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoodsmore/3506721-74/inspection-landlords-lebanon#axzz2LvovXS9R
Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners,
I am writing to you, as a member of the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, concerning an issue of criti ...
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Posted on 2/6/2013 3:59 PM By Ryan Barton |
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Good News! RAMP recently launched a website to defeat the Lawrenceville BID Tax. Please visit the website at www.nobid.org. You can download forms to oppose the tax, look up your parcel number and get more information on this property tax.
We have gotten an overwhelming amount of support from property owners and business owners in Lawrenceville. However, our work is not done. We are trying to get over 70% to show the Lawrenceville Corporation that we don’t want another property tax now or ever!
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Posted on 2/4/2013 5:08 PM By Ryan Barton |
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RAMP Opposes Lawrenceville Business Improvement District Tax
“This Business Improvement District strikes at the very core of what RAMP stands for, property rights”
Pittsburgh, PA – Letters opposing the proposed Lawrenceville Business Improvement District (BID) tax were recently sent to 350 property owners from the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP). A group of more than 50 business and property owners in Lawrenceville are joining RAMP in opposing this BID tax. RAMP is opposing the Lawrenceville BID due to the BID’s eminent domain capabilities, a levy of another property tax, and the laws deemed approval process.
On September 4, City Councilman Patrick Dowd introduced legislation supporting the non-profit Lawrenceville Corporation’s effort to create a BID in Lawrenceville.
“This Business Improvement District strikes at the very core of what RAMP stands for, property rights,” said RAMP President Ruthanne Belus. Ac ...
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Posted on 1/24/2013 1:57 PM By Ryan Barton |
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To All City of Pittsburgh Residents,
RAMP is looking for recommendations for appointment on the Historical Review Commission. There are two openings on the board. One opening for the community at large and one opening for a “Historical Preservationist”.
The requirements are as follows: You must be a City of Pittsburgh resident and, once recommended, you must be confirmed by the City Council. But, don’t worry, I will walk you through the entire process and ensure everything goes smoothly.
If you are interested and you live in the City of Pittsburgh, please email Ryan at ryanb@pghrealtors.com. It is important that we get engaged in the political process and make sure we are in positions to influence policy discussions.
What is the Historical Review Commission?
The Historic Review Commission (HRC) protects and maintains historically and architecturally significant buildings and neighborhoods in the City. The HRC is comprised of seven members appointed ...
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Posted on 1/17/2013 4:18 PM By Ryan Barton |
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Barb Averell, from Ross Township, was appointed to the Ross Township Transportation Impact Fee Advisory Board. RAMP is excited to have Barb as our voice on the advisory board and we have all the confidence in her that she will represent our association well. Most importantly, Barb understands that enacting impacting fees will create higher costs for businesses, potential home buyers and existing home owners.
If you have any suggestions or thoughts on the impact fee issue, please email Barb at barbaverell@prudentialpreferred.com.
Barb Averell: She has been a homeowner in Ross Township for the past 14 years. Barb and her husband have three children, two of which have graduated from North Hills High School and one is in 9th grade at the Senior High. She has been involved in the PTO’s in school and also helped with the West View Ross Athletic Association. In 2008 she obtained her Brokers license. Barb managed a large Real Estate office for Prudential Preferred Re ...
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Posted on 1/17/2013 3:59 PM By Ryan Barton |
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RAMP needs your urgent help to protect our private property rights right here in Pittsburgh.
The ask is simple, remind City Councilman Dowd about our position on protecting our property rights and keeping taxes low.
Our position is that we will never give away our property rights and keeping taxes low is vital to the stability of the Pittsburgh housing market and economy. We will remain vigilant in opposing any future plan that gives away our most basic freedom, our property rights.
Please send this message to Councilman Dowd today at patrick.dowd@pittsburghpa.gov. And thank you for your support!
Dear Councilman Dowd,
I am writing to you, as a member of the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, concerning an issue of critical importance to Pittsburgh property owners and the economy. As a City Councilman, it is imperative you are vigilant in opposing the Lawrenceville Business Improvement Tax. The scariest part of this Business Improvement District Tax is that a Business Impro ...
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Posted on 11/21/2012 12:39 PM By Jeffery Zirngibl |
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The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh hired political veteran Ryan Barton to serve as their government affairs director.
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RAMP REALTORS® on Twitter
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