OHBA Executive VP

APRIL

Showers

Typically, April showers mark the beginning of the growth season. However, in politics it merely is another month of endless politicking. Might as well get used to it as there is no end in sight.

While just ending an exhausting presidential election and shift in the balance of political power in DC, we already have two special congressional elections facing Ohioans. With the ascension of Marcia Fudge to Secretary of HUD and Steve Stivers to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, vacancies must be filled by special elections this fall. Already a bevy of candidates are sniffing around for the job. I wish them well raising the hundreds of thousands necessary to be a viable candidate.

Activity in Ohio is a bit subdued. Billions in federal relief money made passage of the state budget in the House relatively easy. The senate now has a crack at it. One difference this time is school districts and local governments seem satisfied as enough money was directed to them keeping them in check. Otherwise, the usual number of trades licensing bills are being considered. And not to forget a number of House members are already campaigning to be the next Speaker a mere year and a half from now.

Without question now is the concern over skyrocketing lumber prices. This is a national issue as well as in Ohio. We are checking all possible resources for information and/or relief. NAHB is working overtime on it as well. It is frustrating in that no one can pinpoint a culprit or circumstance as the root of the problem. Nonetheless we will keep at it until some relief is secured.

by Vincent J. Squillace, CAE, OHBA Exec. VP

“Typically, April showers mark the beginning

of the growth season. However, in politics it merely is another month of endless politicking. Might as well get used to it as there is no end in sight.