Home builders group spent $1.6M lobbying in 2Q

The home building industry's trade association spent more than $1.6 million lobbying in the second quarter to support a slate of bills aimed at reviving the housing market, according to a recent disclosure form. The National Association of Home Builders backed measures intended to prevent foreclosures, expand housing affordability and stimulate the economy, according to the form filed July 21 with the House clerk's office. The Washington D.C.-based association has been pressing for lawmakers to include a tax credit for home buyers in a broad housing rescue bill. Congress last week passed the legislation, which President Bush is expected to sign, that would give a credit of up to $7,500 to first-time home buyers through July 1 of next year, among other incentives for buyers. The trade group, which says its member companies... [read full story]