This past Tuesday marked the much anticipated 2010 midterm elections in the United States. In a switch of power the Republic party gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives while the Democrats maintained control of the U.S. Senate. You may be asking yourself what do the results of these recent political changes have to do with me? Well here is the scoop:
For the most part lawmakers who have previous backed design-related policies survived. This includes the Congressional High Performance Building Caucus chairpersons, Judy Biggert (R-IL and Russ Carnahan (D-MO).
A supporter for the tax incentive of green buildings, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) was re-elected. Previously assisting the AIA to expand access to credit, Reps. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) won their races. Livability champion Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Hon. AIA (D-OR) and Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) – author of the GREEN Act for green affordable housing and the Livable Communities Act – and Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), a leader on green buildings and historic preservation, all won re-election.
Follow the break for more results.
Senators who were re-elected include Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee who addressed green issues and transportation policy.
Rob Portman (R-OH), authored the Community REstoration and Revitalization Act promoting historic preservation when he served the Ohio Senate seat in 2000.
The full article by the AIA outlines the impact of these changes, along with the possible direct influence on policies that which the AIA and its allies advocate concerning the following: economy, sustainability, livable communities, infrastructure, tax policy, housing, and government procurement.
Over 160 Ballot Initiatives were also decided on November 2nd by voters. Take note of their potential or direct-imact they will have on architectural practices. The outcome of the initiatives for Energy and Sustainability, Construction and Design, Taxes and Finances, and Small Business Initiatives can be found here.
