Chairman’s Message: REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol

By Marcus Phipps

March 01, 2023

There’s absolutely nothing like the sight of thousands of REALTORS® wearing purple lapel pins roaming the halls of the Capitol and advocating on behalf of our legislative issues.

In 2011, I made my first trip with my local association, the Harlingen Board of REALTORS®, to Austin for what we then called Hill Visits. That was a day I will never forget, as my eyes were opened to the true power that Texas REALTORS® holds with our state legislators. It was intimidating to walk up to the Capitol building with purpose, and a bit overwhelming to see our Texas REALTORS® Leadership Team stand on the stage of the House of Representatives and be recognized. But being greeted by my own legislators as a friend, simply because I was a Texas REALTOR®, was eye-opening. REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol is special, and it’s powerful. It’s a day you will never forget.

Last legislative session, our members and amazing staff pulled off 181 virtual legislative meetings. This year, however, we are 100% a go for live visits, and there’s absolutely nothing like the sight of thousands of REALTORS® wearing purple lapel pins roaming the halls of the Capitol and advocating on behalf of our legislative issues. Your Leadership Team is so excited to go back to our beautiful Capitol building and let our legislators know how their work affects our business, and especially property ownership in Texas, and we need YOU to join us!

As your chairman, and in other volunteer roles at Texas REALTORS®, I’ve had the privilege to meet numerous state legislators and leaders whose policy decisions shape the landscape of our day-to-day business as REALTORS®. I’ve been honored to voice our positions on property taxes, subdivision reform, and other issues, but I’m only one REALTOR®, and our message is loudest when amplified by thousands of voices. Thousands of us will indeed share our advocacy message with our legislators with the single and united voice of Texas REALTORS® on Wednesday, March 22. That single message, spoken to 181 legislators on behalf of 150,000-plus Texas REALTORS®, is the true power that we hold. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

The lawmakers I’ve met are impressed by the unity of REALTORS® and our non-partisan dedication to private property rights. Our policy positions are not Red, and they are not Blue. We are the Purple Party and are working toward a #PurpleSolution.

This year, we’re super excited to be Riding with the Brand alongside NAR President Kenny Parcell during REALTOR® Day. At 9:30 a.m., Kenny will inspire us at our rally on the South Lawn as we kick off our day of advocacy. He will make you proud to be a REALTOR® and understand the significance of Riding with the Brand at the Capitol and every day. This will be a huge event, and we can’t wait to see you there! We will wrap up the day with some great barbecue at your Texas REALTORS® building. The building will be open for tours and photos, and your Leadership Team will be there to welcome you!

I haven’t missed a REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol since 2011. I know that if you join us this year, you will join us for years to come, too. Contact your local association office for details about any possible transportation, lodging, and other accommodations. I truly hope to see YOU there!

Marcus Phipps is 2023 chairman of Texas REALTORS®.

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