BAM: Advocate and Watchdog
Article III, Section V (2017)
By Forrest Cyr, Director of Government Affairs and Communications
“BAM! Value Added.”
The value of a good defense cannot be overstated. From a government affairs perspective, the value of stopping a bad bill now is greater than the costs related to repealing a bad law later – both in terms of cost to your business and the expenditure of our industry’s political capital. The value of a good offense is equally important. Bringing new ideas to the legislature, instead of always saying no, solidifies our industry’s place at the table. These two approaches complement each other, and are essential to a successful advocacy strategy. As your lobbyists at the State Capitol, we’re proud to stop bad legislation that would cost BAM members, and pass legislation to strengthen your business and the housing industry in our state.
In the 2017 session, BAM is working to pass meaningful legislation to benefit the homebuilding industry in Minnesota. BAM’s policy priorities have received considerable bipartisan support this session, and we’re grateful to work with such dedicated public servants. For example, one of BAM’s bills, HF792 -- which ensures twinhomes can be constructed without sprinkler systems -- passed the MN House unanimously. Other BAM priorities have received considerable support, and are actively moving through the legislative process. We’re thrilled by the progress BAM association priorities have made this session. Be sure to check out BAM’s mid-session report for a complete report on what we’ve been up to!
BAM has also worked to stop bad ideas from becoming law (or even bills!). Ideas such as stretch energy codes, which would have allowed for municipalities to adopt more restrictive energy codes was stopped, as was legislation to allow homeowners to recover attorney’s fees, but not allow for similar recovery for builders. Neither saw any action taken this session following input from BAM and industry partners. With just weeks left in the 2017 legislative session, we’re excited to return to the Capitol to keep fighting to pass common-sense legislation for the benefit of our members, and stop bad legislation from hurting our members’ bottom line.
BAM’s robust government affairs program is the association’s primary member benefit, and we’re proud to provide this service to our wonderful members. However, that’s just the beginning! BAM offers savings on products you use every day! From savings on your Verizon plan, to discounted gas from Holiday Stationstores, don’t miss out on numerous ways to get cash back into your pocket. Visit to take advantage of all the money saving benefits BAM offers.