In The News
DAAR’s In The News page has you covered.
From community engagement, to federal, state & local policy changes, this is your hub for all things advocacy. Brush up on the latest housing news, DAAR’s advocacy efforts, and everything in between. Click each story below to read more.
For inquiries, comments, or concerns about the issues, please contact:
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2022:
BOS Adopts FY 2023 Budget; Lowers Personal & Property Tax RatesApril 6, 2022 The newly adopted budget goes into effect July 1, 2022. The real property tax rate of $0.89 has been effective as of January 1, 2022, and the new personal property tax rate of $4.15 will begin on Jan. 1, 2023. Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a $3.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, which includes a real property tax rate of $0.89 cents per $100 in assessed value for 2022 ($0.09 lower than the current tax rate). It also includes a personal property tax rate of $4.15 per $100 in assessed value in tax year 2023, which is lower than the current $4.20 rate…
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DAAR Joins NVTA and Others in Opposition to Gas Tax SuspensionMarch 28, 2022 The gas tax accounts for 1/3 of the Commonwealth’s transportation funding, and there’s no guarantee that savings will be passed on to residents or REALTORS®. On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® (DAAR) signed a letter with other community organizations and REALTOR® associations opposing the Motor Vehicle Fuels tax (gas tax) suspension and the proposed permanent 2% cap on its annual indexing for inflation. The letter, which was spearheaded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance… |
DAAR Celebrates Fair Housing Month 2022: Upcoming Events in Loudoun CountyMarch 25, 2022 Take a sneak peek at some of the upcoming Fair Housing Month events in the community! Next week marks the beginning of April, which means Fair Housing Month is almost officially here! While DAAR champions fair housing efforts every month, this time of year is always significant as we have the opportunity to highlight upcoming events both in and outside of the Association that promote fair housing for all. The following events and dates come from the Loudoun County Government as they plan… |
DAAR Testifies Before Senate Transportation Committee in Support of Greenway BillJanuary 28, 2022 The legislation aims to achieve a 50% reduction in current toll rates in the eastern end of the road and a $1-$2 reduction on the western end. On Thursday, January 27, 2022, DAAR brought its advocacy efforts (virtually) to Richmond by speaking in favor of the Greenway Bill during the Virginia Senate Transportation Committee meeting. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (SB 445) and Del. David Reid (HB 859), aims to drastically reduce the toll costs on the Dulles Greenway as well as…
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Loudoun Receives $10 Million from Virginia Housing’s Amazon REACH ProgramJanuary 10, 2022 The affordable housing funding comes amid rising concerns about Amazon HQ2’s potential impact on home prices in Northern Virginia. On Monday, January 10, 2022, Loudoun County announced its receipt of state grants in the amount of $10 million for affordable (attainable) multifamily housing. These funds are in addition to the $3.75 million that the county received in May to support the Tuscarora Crossing Phase 1 and the View at Broadlands projects (both affordable multifamily developments)… |
BOS Boosts Incentives for Conservation Easements Assistance Program (CEAP)January 5, 2022 The annual funding for CEAP is $150,000 and will be available to qualifying landowners on rolling basis. On January 4th, 2022, the Loudoun County Government announced the Board of Supervisors (BOS) has approved changes to the Conservation Easements Assistance Program (CEAP) which will expand the number of qualified landowners who may receive financial support. According to the county’s announcement, the changes have officially gone into effect and CEAP will now begin accepting new applications… |
2021:
County Receives Grant for Broadband Expansion in Western LoudounDecember 14, 2021 The initiative will expand fiber broadband to 8,000+ unserved addresses and achieve universal coverage in Loudoun County. On December 14, 2021, Loudoun County announced its receipt of a $17.5 million grant from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI). The grant will be used to subsidize the construction of a fiber network that aims to expand broadband internet access to 8,629 underserved addresses (both residents and business) in western Loudoun… |
BOS Adopts Resolution of Intent to Amend (ROIA) for Zoning OrdinanceNovember 22, 2021 The Dept. of Planning and Zoning and the Zoning Ordinance Committee (ZOC) have already discussed potential new and revised land uses, definitions and performance standards, and many other changes. On November 16, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a Resolution of Intent to Amend (ROIA) for the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. According to the county’s press release, the ROIA is a necessary step in the revision process… |
2021 Virginia Election Results: General AssemblyNovember 9, 2021 In Loudoun County, all RPAC-endorsed candidates won their races for the House of Delegates. Overall, it appears that 5 RPAC-endorsed candidates in the GA have lost their contests. On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Virginia voters cast their ballots for statewide offices as well as the House of Delegates. Below is a breakdown of the General Assembly races in districts within Loudoun County… |
2021 Virginia Election Results: StatewideNovember 9, 2021 From the Governor’s Mansion to the Office of the Attorney General, here is your 2021 election night results for Virginia’s statewide races: On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Virginia voters cast their ballots for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and the General Assembly. At the end of the night, Virginians narrowly elected Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares to the Commonwealth’s three highest offices… |
Biden’s Build Back Better Framework Includes Several NAR PrioritiesNovember 1, 2021 In a massive win for NAR, the framework will not only spare real estate from burdensome tax policies, but it will include a historic investment in affordable housing. On Thursday, October 28, 2021, President Biden announced his Build Back Better framework for the Build Back Better Act. After numerous rounds of negotiations between Biden and key Congressional leadership, many believe that this $1.75 trillion framework could be the key to facilitating a much-needed vote in the U.S. House of Representatives… |
Sign Up: REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts (RPMA)October 29, 2021 Text the word REALTORS to 30644 (message and data rates may apply). Want to engage in a call for action as soon as its launched? Are you passionate about state and federal issues? If so, then sign up today for REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts, NAR’s advocacy texting platform! These alerts provide a way for REALTORS® and REALTOR® associations alike to stay connected directly from their cell phone or tablet… |
Board of Supervisors Approves Example Plans for Local Election RedistrictingOctober 21, 2021 Following immense population growth in Loudoun County, the ideal size of each election district will increase to 52,641 residents. At the business meeting on October 19, 2021, Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors (BOS) requested that 7 examples of local redistricting plans serve as “starting points” for both the public and the Board to consider how the county’s current population can be evenly grouped among election districts. This vote comes as a follow-up to the… |
Loudoun County to Study Building Accessibility for People with DisabilitiesOctober 4, 2021 The Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted unanimously to direct the Disability Services Board to review the accessibility of government buildings. On September 8, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted (8-0-1) to study the county government buildings through an accessibility lens. Namely, these buildings are the Loudoun County Government Center and Shenandoah Building in Leesburg, as well as the Ridgetop Building in Sterling. While these premises are required… |
Loudoun’s BOS Adopts Unmet Housing Needs Strategic PlanOctober 1, 2021 The following information comes from the Loudoun County Government website and can be accessed here. Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors has officially adopted the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan (UHNSP). The plan is a key step in the implementation of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan and it is designed to assist the county in improving housing accessibility, affordability, and quality for families… |
Loudoun Board of Supervisors Approves Increase in Landfill FeesOctober 1, 2021 For the first time in almost a decade, homeowners will see an increase of at least $1 more per trip to the county landfill south of Leesburg. On September 21, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved a fee increase after being presented with a financial analysis of facility operations for the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility. The Board concluded the increase was needed in order to maintain the landfill’s financial health. The action was… |
National Voter Registration Day: VirginiaSeptember 28, 2021 The Commonwealth’s general election is November 2nd. Below is everything you’ll need to know about how, where, and when to cast your ballot. Happy National Voter Registration Day, DAAR! Virginia’s 2021 General Election is right around the corner, and early voting has kicked into full gear as of Friday, September 17, 2021. Eligible voters in the Commonwealth have until Saturday, October 30 to vote at early voting locations across Virginia. In Loudoun County… |
U.S. Senators Introduce Bill to Assist First-Generation HomebuyersSeptember 27, 2021 “LIFT is among the most effective ways policymakers have to address the nation’s pernicious problem of large and widening economic disparities,” – Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics. On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, a group of U.S. senators introduced the Low-Income First Time Homebuyers (LIFT) Act to help first time and first-generation homebuyers build wealth more rapidly. The legislation attempts to reduce the racial wealth gap between white American families and American families of color by… |
Kaine and Warner Announce $4 Million from HUD for Affordable Housing ExpansionSeptember 24, 2021 “We are glad to see this funding go toward helping Virginians in need” – U.S. Senator Kaine. On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia announced $4,098,261.60 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development… A partial amount of the funding will be invested in parts of… |
DAAR Spotlight: 2021 RPAC Major InvestorsSeptember 20, 2021 DAAR wholeheartedly thanks and appreciates every single one of our RPAC donors, but there’s one group of investors we’d like to specifically highlight: DAAR’s Major Investors have contributed a minimum of $1,000 each (the Sterling “R” level) in 2021, and we are honored to recognize them for their extraordinary commitment to REALTOR® advocacy issues… |
NAR Expresses Concern Over Proposed Limitations on Real Estate InvestmentSeptember 17, 2021 The limitations could negatively impact the health and growth of the commercial real estate market. On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) raised concerns in a letter issued to Congressional leadership of the tax writing committees regarding the proposed limits to tax benefits for real estate investment. At a time when the US is in serious need of an elevated housing supply, NAR addressed several of the proposed policy changes that, if left unchecked, could have… |
2021 Gubernatorial Policy Tracker: McAuliffe vs YoungkinSeptember 1, 2021 The Commonwealth’s democratic and republican nominees for Governor offer voters a glimpse into their policy platforms. This page will be updated throughout the 2021 election cycle. Virginia’s race for governor is in full gear. The candidates, former Governor Terry McAuliffe, and business leader, Glenn Youngkin, are both vying to occupy the Commonwealth’s top post. Both have laid out policy proposals related to housing issues, cost of living, jobs, and/or business, which are reflected below… |
U.S. Supreme Court Ends Latest CDC Eviction MoratoriumAugust 27, 2021 The following update comes directly from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) regarding the SCOTUS decision to end the most recent eviction moratorium: The U.S. Supreme Court ended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) eviction moratorium Thursday night [August 26, 2021], giving much-needed relief to America’s small housing providers facing financial hardship for more than a year… |
Board of Supervisors to Hold Public Hearing on AT&T Cell Tower ProposalAugust 26, 2021 The public hearing will occur on September 14th and will help the Board determine whether the permit proposal for the Short Hills area is consistent with the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. |
Loudoun County Announces Financing Opportunities for First-Time HomebuyersAugust 21, 2021 The following is directly from the Loudoun County Government’s website: Loudoun County announces the availability of $10 million provided by Virginia Housing (VH) to help first-time homebuyers. The allocation of funding through VH’s Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) program will provide lower interest rates on home loans in Loudoun County for qualifying buyers… |
Analysis: Loudoun County’s 2020 Census ResultsAugust 20, 2021 Of Virginia’s 133 counties, Loudoun boasts the largest increase in population size, but struggles with the third lowest housing vacancy rate. The 2020 U.S. Census results are out, which means the once-a-decade redistricting process will begin to unfold as state and local governments begin to review population changes. In Virginia, one of the most significant population changes occurred in Loudoun County, where the total population increased to 420,959 (or by 34.8% since 2010)… |
CDC Issues Eviction Ban Extension; Cites Rising Rates of COVID-19 TransmissionAugust 4, 2021 With the Delta variant ramping up in communities all over the country, the CDC’s new ban will cover about 90% of America’s population and will last through October 3, 2021. On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the eviction moratorium for 80% of counties within the United States. These counties, which make up an estimated 90% of the U.S. population, have substantial or high COVID-19 community transmission rates… |
With CDC Ban Set to Expire, FHFA Extends Eviction Moratorium on Single-Family REOsJuly 30, 2021 CDC’s eviction moratorium set to expire; President Biden calls on Congress to act; and FHFA extends its own moratorium. Here’s what you should know: On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the Biden Administration said it would not attempt to unilaterally extend the CDC’s national eviction moratorium and will leave it to expire on July 31, 2021. The administration is now asking Congress to extend the ban. NAR’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Shannon McGahn, has stated the following… |
FHFA Eliminates New Fee on Mortgage RefinancesJuly 29, 2021 The removal of the fee will help distressed owners refinance to more economically stable positions. On Friday, July 16, 2021, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced it would remove the Adverse Market Refinance Fee (AMRF) from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac home loans. Beginning on August 1, 2021, the fee elimination would make it less costly for homeowners to refinance their mortgage. The AMRF is a 0.5% fee that was added under the Trump administration in 2020 to ease the pandemic-related impacts… |
BOS Dedicates $12.4M to Expand Broadband Access in LoudounJuly 28, 2021 During public comment, some residents who called in to speak remotely were inaudible due to their connectivity issues. On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to allocate over $12.4 million to bring broadband to underserved communities Loudoun. This unanimous decision will boost expansion efforts to western parts of the county and, assuming the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant is awarded to the board, this broadband effort should… |
Association Health Plans Bill Introduced in U.S. HouseJuly 27, 2021 “Your AHP legislation will once again allow AHPs to offer comprehensive coverage at lower costs than traditional individual market plans” – NAR President Charlie Oppler. On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, H.R. 4547, the Association Health Plans Act of 2021, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and was referred to the Committee on Labor and Education. As it currently stands, the bill would amend the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish… |
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Private Property Rights in Landmark RulingJune 30, 2021 NAR deems the outcome a victory for the future defense of property rights. It may also have broader implications for similar government measures. On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, SCOTUS ruled that a California regulation allowing union organizers to enter farmland for the purpose of uniting workers was unconstitutional by a 6-3 vote. The case, brought by two private farm businesses, challenged the regulation on the claim that it was a violation of the Fifth Amendment, which prohibits the taking of private property by… |
Supreme Court Rules CDC Exceeded its Authority in Nationwide Eviction BanJune 30, 2021 “With the pandemic waning and the economy improving, it is time to restore the housing sector to its healthy, former function.” — Charlie Oppler, NAR President. In a 5-4 ruling on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lacked the authority to issue a nationwide eviction moratorium. However, the ban will not be immediately lifted as the Court rejected that request…
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Loudoun Board Votes on Airport Noise Disclosure RequirementsJune 28, 2021 Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors voted to make notifications of the Dulles International Airport’s fifth runway plan mandatory for people looking to buy homes in that area. At the June 15, 2021 vote, members of Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors addressed the findings of the 2019 noise study. Amid discussions of a possible fifth runway coming to the Dulles International Airport (IAD), an area south of Arcola Mills Drive and east of the Loudoun County Parkway is expected to… |
Turning the Corner: 2021 Annual State of the Airports LuncheonJune 25, 2021 Getting people back into the office and relaxing international travel restrictions are among the critical milestones needed to return ‘Back to Normal,’ according to MWAA CEO John Potter. On Thursday, June 24, 2021, Committee for Dulles hosted the 2021 State of the Airports Luncheon with John Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (WMAA). During the event, Potter provided key updates on matters ranging from… |
SCOTUS Decision on FHFA Leadership StructureJune 24, 2021 In a 7-2 majority, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled on Wednesday that the structure of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) was unconstitutional. The FHFA is the regulatory body that oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, two of the nation’s largest federally backed home mortgage companies. The agency was created in 2008 under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act in response to the housing/mortgage crisis….
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Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan Update: June 2021June 22, 2021 Chair Randall calls on DAAR’s market report once again, highlighting the County’s housing shortage and the need to implement attainable housing strategies. On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) hosted the 2021 PolicyMaker Series: Finding a Solution to Loudoun’s Housing Crisis, their first in-person Policy-Maker event in more than 15 months due to COVID-19 restrictions… |
Effective July 1st: New Virginia LawsJune 21, 2021 The Virginia General Assembly wrapped up their legislative sessions in the early months of 2021. The Governor has taken action on 500+ bills/resolutions, with many affecting the housing industry. Of approximately 3,000 bills/resolutions that were introduced during these sessions, Governor Northam took action on 552 and vetoed none of them during the 2021 special session. Below is a summary of the bills that will take effect on July 1, 2021… |
An Update on Everything BroadbandJune 16, 2021 What you need to know: DAAR’s new partnership with the Loudoun Broadband Alliance, the BRIDGE Act, broadband efforts in Western Loudoun, & more. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, people are more dependent on the internet than ever before, rendering it less of a luxury and more of a daily necessity. As calls for high-speed internet expansion continue to grow, here is a breakdown of where broadband access currently stands…
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Board Adopts Recommendations on American Rescue Plan FundingJune 16, 2021 Loudoun County received $40.2M, the first half, in early June. $20M will be used to offset revenue losses from COVID-19. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Loudoun County received the first $40.2 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will receive the second half within a year. With an estimated $80.3 million in total expected funding, the county must commit to using the funds by… |
Act Now: Defend 1031 Like-Kind ExchangesJune 15, 2021 Help defend 1031 through NAR’s new 1031 Like-Kind Exchange Member Stories Portal, where members The Biden administration has proposed eliminating Section 1031 like-kind exchanges (1031s) under the American Families Plan, arguing that the tax policy only benefits the wealthiest of Americans. However, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)… |
Homeownership Month: Upcoming Events in Loudoun CountyJune 7, 2021 DAAR would like to highlight upcoming events hosted by the County’s Office of Housing and various partner organizations in the community. June is here, which means that it is officially Homeownership Month in Loudoun County and across the county. This special occasion recognizes the value that owning a home brings to families and neighborhoods across the nation. It also…
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Key Findings from NAGLREP 2020-2021 LGBT Real Estate ReportJune 2, 2021 From urging elected officials to pass the Equality Act, to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the local level, there are numerous ways real estate professionals can support LGBT homebuyers and renters. The National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals’ (NAGLREP) fourth LGBT Real Estate Report |
Biden Announces New Housing & Small Business Programs to Close Racial Wealth GapJune 1, 2021 Announced on the centennial of the Tulsa massacre, the programs are part of a first-ever interagency effort that also takes aim at inequities in home appraisals. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new housing and small business programs that are designed to close the racial wealth gap. The White House released a fact sheet on the announcement with policy information and… |
DAAR’s Market Report Highlighted at 2021 State of the County AddressMay 27, 2021 Chair Randall used this information to highlight the need for the county to continue its work in securing attainable housing. On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall spoke to residents at the 2021 State of the County Address. Updates were provided on Loudoun’s COVID-19 related efforts, the new budget, unemployment rate, housing numbers, and many other matters that the county has faced in the last year…
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CDC’s Eviction Moratorium Ruled UnlawfulMay 6, 2021 U.S. District Court Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the nationwide eviction moratorium exceeds the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, Judge Dabney Friedrich of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the CDC’s eviction ban is unlawful. The 20-page decision declares that… |
Election 2021: Early Voting Begins in VirginiaApril 26, 2021 As early voting kicks off in the commonwealth, DAAR encourages all eligible residents to register and cast their ballots in this cycle’s primary election. As of Friday, April 23, 2021, residents of the commonwealth may cast their ballots early for the statewide and local elections. Early voting will remain open until the 5th of June, and residents who wish to vote from home may do so by… |
Loudoun County Board Adopts 2021 Fair Housing Month ProclamationApril 21, 2021 This renewed commitment highlights the efforts of DAAR and other local organizations to make affordable housing a reality in the Loudoun area. On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors presented DAAR with the 2021 Fair Housing Month Proclamation. The document, signed by all nine members of the Board, will now be displayed proudly in DAAR’s office… |
Virginia Real Estate Board Issues Guidance on Source of FundsApril 19, 2021 Effective as of April 16th, VREB’s Guidance Document addresses how to navigate housing discrimination issues now that “source of funds” is a protected class in the Commonwealth. As of July 1, 2020, the Virginia Fair Housing Law was amended to include anti-discrimination measures for source of funds. This means that “source of funds” has been codified into state law as a protected class, along with race, religion, sex, disability, color, familial status, national origin, elderliness, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity… |
NAR: As Lease Addendums Rise, Marijuana Businesses Adapt by Purchasing Commercial Property
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Board of Supervisors Adopt $3.3 Billion Budget; Tax Rate Lowered by 5.5 CentsApril 8, 2021 For the first time since 2008, Loudoun County’s real estate tax rate will fall below $1. On Tuesday, April 6, 2020, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a 2022 fiscal budget in the amount of $3.3 billion. The budget will decrease the real property tax rate by 5.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value, bringing the new rate to $0.98 per $100 in assessed value (down from last year’s $1.035)…
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PRO Act passes in U.S. House: What the Bill Means for REALTORS®April 6, 2021 On March 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 842 – the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (the PRO Act) by a vote of 225-206. The real estate community has been buzzing with uncertainty since the PRO Act suddenly passed the House on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. If passed by the Senate and given presidential approval, the bill would establish new federal rules to… |
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President Biden Signs American Rescue Plan into LawMarch 12, 2021 White House says stimulus payments could be direct-deposited into some bank accounts by this weekend. On Thursday, March 11, 2021, President Biden |
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Association Health Plan Update: S.B. 1341Feb 22, 2021 SB 1341 Update: The Virginia REALTORS® about SB 1341, the Association Health Plan legislation. The Association Health Plan bill, SB 1341 was referred to the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care for further recommendations and study with the possibility for the legislation to be reconsidered next year. Unfortunately, this referral means that SB 1341 was not passed into law…. |
For questions, please reach out to Eric Fryer, DAAR’s Government Affairs Director.