Legislative Rally Day 2009

"Where Texas Builders Make History"

• Build relationship with your Texas State Senators & Representatives
• Take a stand on issues that affect your business and our state
• Lobby important issues crucial to the housing industry
• Show your support for the association that speaks on your behalf

Click here to view the 2009 Rally Day Video.

Now that the election is over, it is time to begin thinking about the upcoming 81st Legislative Session and Rally Day 2009.  The Texas Association of Builders Rally Day is one of the most important events our state and local HBA membership can attend and we are looking forward to a tremendous turnout.  When our members storm the Capitol and talk directly to their elected officials, the impact is immediate and impossible to ignore!  We had enormous success with Rally Day in the 80th Legislative Session with more than 1,100 members from across the state attending.  This year our goal is to have more than 1,500 Texas home builders, remodelers, developers and our invaluable associate members from all 33 of our local associations ascend those steps at the beautiful State Capitol building on Wednesday, February 25.

The purpose of Rally Day is to deliver our legislative agenda right to the door of our State Representatives and Senators.  Our program will begin mid-morning on the South Steps of the Capitol where Texas home builders, remodelers, developers and associate members from across the state will join together to present a united front on the legislative issues affecting our industry.  TAB staff will bring us up to speed on important issues and key points to take to legislators.  You will also hear from top state officials who will present their thoughts on the legislative session and their plans for supporting the building industry.  In years past, we have had such speakers as Governor Rick Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst join us.  Following remarks from our featured speaker, lunch will be served on the south lawn of the Capitol grounds.  Before and after lunch, our members will meet with their elected officials in scheduled meetings with your legislative delegation arranged by your local HBAs.

When the 81st Legislature commences in January 2009, the residential construction industry will face several serious challenges.  We will fight to keep entry-level housing affordable, property taxes low and ensure that the TRCC will meet the mission set out for it by the legislature as it goes through the Sunset review process.  As an industry, we must proactively inform elected officials of the consequences of passing over-reaching legislation that can have an overly burdensome and costly effect on Texas home builders and home buyers.  Your state association leadership and staff are confident about the upcoming 81st Session, but without your strong support and grassroots action, the Texas Association of Builders will not be able to accomplish our goals.

We need your help to continue to protect our entire industry, and ask that you make the commitment now to travel to Austin on Wednesday, February 25th for Rally Day 2009 to be a part of this special - and effective - legislative event.

Tentative Schedule (as of Dec. 9, 2008)