Sadowski Trust Fund – Call To Action

Realtors have been advocating to stop legislators from raiding the Sadowski Trust Fund for over a decade. Realtors actually supported an increase in documentary stamps many years ago when the legislature created the Sadowski Trust Fund and committed the use of those funds for affordable housing. Unfortunately, the legislature moves funds from that Trust for other uses, annually, rather than allow them to be used for their intended use while the need for affordable housing grows. The Governor has taken the lead in moving to end the taking of funds from the Sadowski Trust Fund for other than its intended use…that being affordable housing. The Governor has opened the door and Realtors must rush through that door and use their best efforts to succeed in this initiative more than ever before. FR and Florida CCIM Chapter Leadership has made this a priority, recognizing the need for these funds to be used to support affordable housing. Make no mistake, affordable housing covers a wide spectrum of wage earners, including teachers, first responders and many service providers. This is a fight that should be fought by all real estate professionals, as, it is far reaching and affects residential, commercial and all categories of real estate. Now is the time, and, WE are the messengers who must reach out to our state representatives and urge them to say YES to ending the use of Sadowski Trust Funds for anything other than the intended use…affordable housing. The Senate is in favor of full funding and the House appears to be advocation for retaining 50% for other purposes. Negotiations will, hopefully, move the dial up to 100% C’mon now, fellow CCIMs, pick up the phone and contact your state representatives and urge them to do exactly what the Governor and Florida Realtors are advocating for. If you do not have a personal relationship with your legislators, now is the time to establish one. Everyone has a voice and every voice should be heard. Right now, let it be OUR VOICE that is loudly heard.

Respectfully,
Claudette Bruck, CCIM Florida CCIM Chapter Legislative Chair