SPECTRUM: Mat-Su is open for homebuyers and building — help us spread the word to policymakers

The Mat-Su Home Builders Association (MSHBA) is the Valley’s home building trades advocacy. We’re comprised of 130 members, ranging from carpenters to roofers, painters, plumbers, electricians, and the experts that help you with your windows, garage doors, HVAC systems, and asphalt. We’re your neighbors, and all of us are dedicated to providing education to consumers, policymakers, and professionals while promoting excellence in building and professional standards.

Two weeks ago, MSHBA board members Rich and Judy Carr of Bema Construction and ServiceMaster Restoration Solutions, Robert Yundt II of Robert Yundt Homes, and I flew to the State Capitol to meet with policymakers. We specifically went because our advocacy deems it important to ensure fair and equitable legislation by communicating with elected officials and explaining the local home building industry.

While in Juneau we had the pleasure of meeting with Senators Dunleavy, Hughes and Wilson, as well as Representatives Tilton, Rauscher, Sullivan-Leonard and Johnson. All were receptive to our concerns.

Here’s what we highlighted:

We support SB45, which requires an unlicensed contractor who sells a new home to disclose the sale to the State’s Department of Commerce if the home is sold within two years after construction began. For the past three years, we have supported legislation to protect consumers from the growing practice of selling new homes built by unlicensed construction companies.

Next, Alaska does not have a state residential building code. Building codes for residential have been adopted by various municipalities, but that has resulted in a patchwork of different rules and requirements for builders. We are working with the House Labor & Commerce Committee and Governor Walker to draft legislation.

Finally, the adoption of a sustainable budget will boost consumer confidence and protect our future generations, beyond present-day economics. Veteran fiscal leaders in the Valley delegation like Sen. Mike Dunleavy, Sen. Shelley Hughes, and Rep. Cathy Tilton are walking-the-walk when it comes to making efficiencies, protecting Alaskans’ PFD checks, and reducing budgetary waste. We hope for and see the same positive philosophy surfacing from our freshman legislators.

Our members view defaulting to a sales tax as a last resort. MSHBA opposes a state income tax and eliminating the PFD program, as either option would harm Valley residents and Alaskans in general.

In recent months, Anchorage news sources have highlighted the fact the Municipality is losing residents, while Mat-Su is gaining them substantially. Home building, unfortunately, is also lessening in some regions of the state, yet booming and robust in the Valley, with no slow-down in sight.

We’re open for business here. We’re building homes and eager for the 2017 construction season to blossom. Our solidarity and consumer confidences are part and parcel to a healthy economy that benefits Valley residents, and outlying communities in the Municipality of Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula Borough, where we shop and recreate.

Please continue to trust that MSHBA members will build and repair your homes in the Valley with professionalism, safety, and appreciation of your faith in our determination. And when you see your elected officials, thank them for their service, and remind them a sound economy starts with a strong, reliable building and trade industry.

There’s no place like home, and you can count on us to keep it that way.

Sarah Collins is the Executive Director of the Mat-Su Home Builders Association (MSHBA) and 14 year resident of Alaska.