RECORDING: U.S. Representative Garret Graves

LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 31, 2020

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Earlier today, Louisiana REALTORS® hosted an online forum with U.S. Representative Graves and he provided a breakdown of the steps Congress has taken to provide support to REALTORS and small business owners. Representative Graves answered several questions regarding unemployment benefits and SBA loans that are available. We appreciate Congressman Graves’ time and the opportunity to provide clarity on some of the issues. A follow up email was provided with some questions and answers and has been copied below for your reference. 
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From: "Graves, Garret"   Date: March 31, 2020 at 11:11:42 AM CDT Subject: Unemployment Insurance

CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance Questions Answered 

The CARES Act – the economic relief bill signed into law on Friday – provides much-needed temporary support for American workers impacted by COVID-19. It dedicates $250 billion to give workers more access to unemployment benefits during this public health emergency. 

  • Creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
  • Expands coverage to more workers, including self-employed, contractors, and furloughed workers.
  • Increases by $600/week Americans’ unemployment benefits for the next 4 months.
  • Makes available 13 additional weeks of unemployment for those who need it.
  • Waives the normal one-week waiting period.
  • Includes funding to offset 50% of the costs of state and local government and non-profits for cost of paying unemployment to their workers.
  • Supports short-time, work share programs as an alternative to layoffs.

Q: Are self-employed and independent contractors eligible? 

A: Yes. Self-employed and independent contractors, like gig workers and Uber drivers, are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. This also covers workers laid off from churches and religious institutions who may not be eligible under the state’s program.

Q: What about furloughed workers?

A: Yes. States have policies in place to allow furloughed workers to receive unemployment benefits and part-time workers can receive partial benefits. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program also helps workers stay connected to their employer by allowing unemployment benefits for workers who have a job but are unable to work or telework due to COVID-19-related reasons and are not receiving paid leave through their employer.

Q: How much do unemployed workers get?

A: It varies. Unemployment benefits in Louisiana average approximately $247/week.  Generally, a person’s benefits replace about 1/3 to 1/2 of their wages. The CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week on top of whatever a person would normally receive in their state – limited to the next 4 months (expires July 31, 2020). This will end up providing a higher than average wage replacement rate for low-wage workers.

Q: Can individuals get more on unemployment than they got in their paycheck?

A: The additional $600 in weekly benefits is designed to keep as many workers as whole as possible through the emergency. Some may temporarily receive more benefit than their paycheck – though that number is very small compared to everyone receiving Unemployment. Of course, people receiving Unemployment do not receive health insurance, retirement or other important benefits that can be available at work. The temporary $600 is only available through July 31.

Q: How long do unemployment benefits last?

A: It varies by state, but most states provide access to unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. The CARES Act provides federal funding for an additional 13 weeks for those who need it. Funding for this expires December 31, 2020.

Q: Are unemployment benefits taxable and do they count as income?

A: Yes. Unemployment benefits are taxable income and they generally count as income when determining eligibility for public assistance programs.

Q: What does unemployment insurance look like in my state? 

A: To find out how to apply for unemployment in your state visit:


A state-by-state summary of how each state determines weekly unemployment benefits amounts can be found here: https://oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/content/sigpros/2020-2029/January2020.pdf

For information about how your state’s unemployment agency is responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency visit: https://www.naswa.org/resources/coronavirus

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From: "Graves, Garret"   Date: March 31, 2020 at 11:05:32 AM CDT Subject: flexibility for financing

  • Direct relief to businesses and families: On March 27, 2020, the House passed the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide direct support to families and workers that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting the flow of credit to employers, consumers, and businesses:

  • On March 23, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced that it would  create a variety of new programs which would, together, provide up to $300 billion in new financing. These programs include: 

    • Establishing three new facilities: 
      • Primary Market Corporate Credit Facility (PMCCF) for new bond and loan issuance.
      • Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility (SMCCF) for outstanding corporate bonds.
      • Term-Asset Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF), which will enable issuance of ABS backed by student loans, auto loans, credit card loans, and loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. 
    • Expanding two existing facilities: 
      • MMLF to include a wider range of securities, including VRDNs and bank CDs.
      • CPFF to include high-quality, tax-exempt CP as eligible securities.
  • Protecting Renters in Multifamily Properties: On March 23, 2020, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it will require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (The Enterprises) to offer mortgage forbearance to multifamily property owners with the condition that they suspend evictions for residents unable to pay rent due to the impact of the coronavirus. This option is open to all multifamily properties with an Enterprise-backed mortgage, and will help renters stay in their homes during these trying times.
  • Lending to businesses and consumers: On March 19, 2020, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair, Jelena McWilliams, took an important step to ensure financial institutions are able to lend to businesses and consumers impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) by pushing for a delay in implementing the ill-advised Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) standard.
  • Protecting homeowners: On March 18, 2020, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Trump Administration took a bold step to prevent homeowners with loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac from being foreclosed upon or evicted during this national emergency.
  • Defense Production Act: On March 18, 2020, President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) in the ongoing fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ensure the American people have access to testing, medical supplies, and lifesaving medicines.
  • Money Market Fund Assistance: On March 18, 2020, the Federal Reserve established the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (MMFL) to assist money market funds in meeting demands for redemptions by households and other investors. This facility will enhance overall market function and provide more credit to the broader economy.
  • Expanding access to credit: On March 17, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced it will establish a Primary Dealer Credit Facility (PDCF). The PDCF allows “primary dealers” to have access to more liquidity for their short-term financing needs. This allows these primary dealers to provide more credit to job creators and households in need during COVID-19.
  • Cash flow to businesses and consumers: On March 17, 2020, the Fed announced that it will establish a commercial paper facility to support companies and banks providing financing for a wide range of economic activity. For companies, that means helping in their day-to-day operation like making payroll. For households, it means providing funding to financial firms that provide auto loans and mortgages to American families.
  • More flexibility: On March 17, 2020, federal bank regulatory agencies announced an interim final rule that facilitates the use of firms' capital buffers to promote lending activity to households and businesses.
  • Discount window: On March 16, 2020, federal bank regulatory agencies released a statement encouraging banks to use the Federal Reserve's "discount window" so that they can continue supporting households and businesses.
  • Stimulating the economy: On March 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, bringing the federal funds rate to between 0% and 0.25% to stimulate the economy. 
  • Contingency planning: Regulators are communicating and coordinating with their employees to ensure they are taking appropriate precautions.  The SEC became the first federal agency to ask personnel to work from home due to an employee who may have coronavirus. 
  • Industry outreach: The White House and Treasury Department are communicating and meeting with Wall Street executives to monitor the broader impact of the coronavirus on our financial system and the U.S. economy.

Mitigating Coronavirus Impact on Borrowers’ Financial Health:

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) have taken steps to remind borrowers of hardship forbearance options.

Key facts:

FHFA has announced that COVID-19 will trigger protocols similar to a natural disaster.  

Borrowers should contact their lenders directly before missing a payment to report a hardship related to COVID-19.

Hardship forbearance resources can be used to mitigate the impact of a missed paycheck, lost job, or other financial hardship resulting from COVID-19.

Protecting Consumers from Coronavirus Financial Impact:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has provided useful resources to help consumers protect their families from the financial impact of COVID-19.


You have trouble paying your bills or loans: The CFPB and other financial regulators have encouraged financial institutions to work with their customers to meet their needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Borrowers should reach out to servicers and lenders if they anticipate having trouble making their next payment. 
You lose your income: State and local governments provide helpful resources for employees impacted by the coronavirus. Additionally, seniors, who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, may be eligible for government benefits available to older adults who need financial help. 
You are targeted by a scammer: Scammers are always on the hunt for opportunities to take advantage of consumers. During uncertain times like these, we are especially vulnerable. Learn more about how to spot a scam and report fraud to the appropriate agency.

Louisiana Residents Encouraged to Use New LDI Tools to Prepare for Hurricane Season

By Louisiana REALTORS® • June 9, 2026
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: During a press conference today with Governor Jeff Landry, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced that registration for the next round of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and will include 3,000 grants. The registration period for this lottery will be open for three weeks, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.  During the press conference, Gov. Landry signed HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, which will allow Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to transfer $50 million in additional Katrina bond assessment funds to the LFHP. Combined with the $30 million in funding the program will receive through taxes and fees on insurance entities, the LFHP will receive a total of $80 million this year. “By lowering overall losses, we can reduce insurance and reinsurance costs, draw more insurers into the market, motivate existing companies to write additional policies and lower insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Temple. “That is exactly what the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is designed to do.” The list of coastal parishes that are eligible to participate is expanding to include Acadia, Jefferson Davis and Lafayette parishes. Additionally, homeowners who live in the portions of Ascension, Calcasieu, Iberia, Livingston, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion parishes that were previously not included in the program will now be eligible to participate. A map showing the full list of eligible parishes is available on FortifyHomes.La.Gov . “Louisiana is the fastest growing state in the country for Fortified roofs, and that growth is not by accident—it is the result of strong support from Governor Landry and legislators like Chairman Talbot, Chairman Firment and Representative Sawyer, targeted program design, and a clear recognition that strengthening homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance losses,” said Commissioner Temple. “At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs. It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.” To participate in the lottery, homeowners must register during the June registration period. Homeowners who registered for a previous round but were not selected must register again to participate. People who register on the last day of the registration period have the same chance of being selected as those who register on the first day, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as the period opens. When registering, homeowners will need to upload their homestead exemption, insurance policy declarations page that includes wind coverage, and flood insurance declarations page if the residence is in a flood zone. Homeowners who need assistance obtaining a copy of their homestead exemption should contact their parish tax assessor. Homeowners can contact their homeowners and flood insurance companies or agents for a copy of their policy declarations page. Homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system before registering for the lottery and may do so by visiting the LFHP website and clicking the Login button. Homeowners who previously created a profile may use the same one for this and future rounds. Once the lottery registration period closes, the LFHP will randomly select 3,000 participants and send email notifications to registrants about whether they were selected to participate. These selection notices will be sent via email beginning on Monday, June 22. There are several program requirements that homeowners should be aware of before registering. Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at FortifyHomes.La.Gov to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program. If selected to participate in the grant program, homeowners will be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant The LFHP provides grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The program helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Educating prospective homebuyers on the true cost of owning a home

How to Talk to Clients About the True Costs of Homeownership in Louisiana

By Louisiana REALTORS® • June 9, 2026
Learn how real estate agents can educate buyers about Louisiana homeownership costs, including taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.

2026 Legislative Session Scoop - Session Wrap-up

By Louisiana REALTORS® • June 5, 2026
The 2026 Regular Legislative Session has officially adjourned, and Louisiana REALTORS® closes the session with a strong record of legislative wins, defensive victories and meaningful progress on issues that directly impact property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana. This session touched nearly every major pressure point in the real estate market: insurance affordability, transaction transparency, appraisal certainty, leasing law, property taxes, blight redevelopment, litigation costs, consumer protection and private property rights. Louisiana REALTORS® successfully advanced several major policy priorities this session, including residential wholesaling reform, vacant residential land disclosure, appraisal certainty, security deposit reform, insurance mitigation funding and redevelopment tools for blighted property. At the same time, the association helped stop or reshape proposals that would have harmed housing supply, increased practitioners' liability, or created uncertainty for property owners and housing providers. Major Wins for You and Real Estate Residential Wholesaling Reform The signature victory of the session was HB 468 by Rep. Troy Hebert , Louisiana REALTORS®’ residential wholesaling reform bill. For years, residential wholesaling operated in a gray area of Louisiana law. HB 468 creates a clear statutory framework for residential wholesaling, strengthens consumer protection, increases transparency, and gives the Louisiana Real Estate Commission meaningful enforcement authority. The bill’s conference report passed unanimously in both chambers, with votes of 94-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate. This is a major structural reform for Louisiana real estate law. This bill will be state law effective August 1, 2026. Please note that the law does not affect any wholesale contracts between now and the effective date. Vacant Residential Land Disclosure HB 1166, by Rep. Kim Carver, passed the Legislature and has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill addresses disclosure gaps in vacant residential land transactions where buyers may discover late-stage issues involving access, utilities, drainage, flood risk, prior use or other material facts. HB 1166 creates a clearer process for buyers, sellers and real estate practitioners, and should help reduce failed transactions, disputes and closing-table surprises. As new industry forms and disclosures are developed, Louisiana REALTORS® will monitor the process closely and work to ensure the final requirements are practical, clear and consistent with sound industry practice. The Louisiana Real Estate Commission will complete the forms and disclosure process, with final implementation expected to be legally required for agents beginning January 1, 2027. Appraisal Liability Protections Louisiana REALTORS® secured two important appraisal-related wins. HB 1027 also by Rep. Troy Hebert , signed as Act No. 187 , clarifies that appraisers should not be held liable for compliance with obligations that belong to other parties in the transaction. HB 300 by Rep. Neil Riser , signed as Act No. 149 , addresses appraisal thresholds for bank-owned property. Together, these measures support greater transaction certainty and fairness in the appraisal process. The pair of these measures will take effect as law on August 1, 2026. Housing & Market Stability Security Deposit Reform HB 292, by Rep. Delisha Boyd and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 63 , creates a more workable process for addressing damage discovered at the end of a lease and provides greater flexibility through written agreements regarding security deposit timelines. The measure offers practical clarity for housing providers, tenants and property managers when property damage is identified after move-out, allowing additional time to assess damage, obtain repair estimates and document costs before final security deposit accounting is completed. By creating a clearer statutory framework, the law helps reduce disputes and ensures that both landlords and tenants have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Property managers can mark August 1, 2026, on their calendars, as that is the effective date for this legislation. Protections for Victims & Landlords HB 297, by Rep. Mandie Landry and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 64 , expands Louisiana's early lease-termination protections to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking. The law recognizes that personal safety may require a tenant to leave a residence before the end of a lease term. To exercise these protections, a tenant must provide documentation from a qualified third party or other authorized evidence demonstrating that they are a victim of stalking or cyberstalking and that continued occupancy would present a safety concern. The measure also clarifies and expands who may serve as a qualified third party for purposes of supporting a tenant's request. These changes will take effect into law on August 1, 2026. Insurance Affordability and Mitigation Insurance affordability remained one of the most significant issues facing Louisiana homeowners and the real estate market. HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer , signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 416 , transfers an additional $50 million in Katrina bond assessment funds to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Combined with other insurance-related funding, the program reaches approximately $80 million for the year. The Fortify Homes Program remains one of Louisiana’s most direct tools for reducing property risk, strengthening homes, improving market stability, and placing downward pressure on insurance costs over time. Several additional insurance measures did not reach final passage, including legislation on fortified roof endorsements, nonrenewal protections for homeowners who mitigate risk, and a pre-suit review process for residential property insurance disputes. These remain important long-term priorities. This became law and took effect upon the Governor’s signature. Blight, Redevelopment, and Property Taxes Louisiana REALTORS® supported policies this session aimed at returning neglected property to productive use and strengthening property-tax fairness. HB 214 by Rep. Chance Henry , now Act No. 272 with Governor Landry’s signature, will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment authorizing an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property. HB 217, also by Rep. Chance Henry , is the enabling legislation for HB 214 and has received the Governor’s signature, becoming Act No. 422. Together, these measures would give local governments another tool to encourage private investment, neighborhood revitalization, and redevelopment. SB 180 , now Act No. 39 , will also appear on the ballot. The measure allows the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to transfer an expanded property tax exemption. This is both a property-tax fairness measure and a homeownership stability measure for Louisiana veterans’ families. If passed in the fall election, the measures would take effect on January 1, 2027, as well as SB 180. Defensive Victories Some of the most important wins in this session came from stopping harmful legislation before it became law. Rent Stabilization Stopped Twice HB 472 by Rep. Alonzo Knox , the rent price control bill, was stopped after being involuntarily deferred. Louisiana REALTORS® opposed the bill and provided testimony in committee because rent-control policies can discourage investment, reduce housing supply, create uncertainty for housing providers and ultimately worsen affordability challenges. Knox brought the bill to the House Committee on Municipal, Local and Parochial Affairs twice due to the opposing testimony of our organization and opposition from the Home Builders Association and the Louisiana Apartment Association. Hidden Fees Bill Reshaped Yet Still Thwarted HB 617 by Rep. Mandie Landry , the hidden fees bill, raised concerns because it could have imposed liability on real estate professionals for fees they do not control, including those set by lenders, title companies, insurers, government entities and other third parties. Louisiana REALTORS® successfully negotiated a House-side amendment exempting real estate transactions from the bill’s scope. The bill later died in the Senate Commerce Committee. It is worth noting that the author agreed to include us in an amendment by Rep. Troy Hebert from the House floor, exempting real estate transactions. Automatic Renewal Bill Monitored HB 750, by Rep. Vincent Cox, addressing automatic renewal provisions, was closely monitored by Louisiana REALTORS® to ensure the legislation did not unintentionally apply to residential or commercial leases, property management agreements, association operations, nonprofit activities or standard real estate practices. Those concerns were successfully addressed through a Louisiana REALTORS® amendment offered by Senator Pressly during Senate consideration. When the bill returned to the House, Rep. Cox accepted the amendment and supported concurrence, preserving the bill's consumer protection goals while ensuring Louisiana's real estate industry, housing providers, associations and nonprofits were not subjected to unintended regulatory burdens . Missed Opportunities Two broader legal reform measures passed the House but stalled in the Senate Judiciary A Committee. HB 437, by Rep. Michael Melerine, addressing expert witness fees, and HB 1089, by Rep. Dennis Bamburg, establishing CARE Accounts, both reflected broader efforts to reduce litigation costs, improve Louisiana’s legal climate, and address cost drivers affecting insurance affordability and business competitiveness. Their failure to reach final passage was a missed opportunity, but the issues remain central to Louisiana’s long-term affordability conversation. Louisiana REALTORS® will continue to monitor these proposals and hope to see similar reforms return next session with a different outcome. What Comes Next The end of the session does not end the work. Louisiana REALTORS® will now turn to implementation, member education, ballot engagement and preparation for the next legislative cycle by directly engaging you, the driving force behind all of our efforts. The issues that shaped this session — housing affordability, insurance availability, redevelopment, legal costs, and private property rights — are not going away. Neither are we. Louisiana REALTORS® remain committed to serving as a consistent, credible and effective voice for property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana. Thank You As the Legislature adjourns, Louisiana REALTORS® expresses sincere appreciation to the leadership, members, public officials and advocacy partners who helped make this a productive and successful session for the real estate industry and property owners across Louisiana. We are especially grateful to Louisiana REALTORS® President Ginger Maulden, President-Elect David Favret, Treasurer Misty Ingersoll, Legislative Committee Director Keary Coffin, Outside General Counsel Eric Landry, LARPAC Chairwoman Marsha McGraw-Barbera, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission Commissioners and Executive Team, and the members of the Louisiana REALTORS® Legislative Committee for their leadership, guidance, resources and engagement throughout the session. We also extend a special thank you to those who attended this session’s REALTOR® Day and helped strengthen our presence at the Capitol. Your participation amplified our ability to advocate with one united voice when it mattered most. We further extend our appreciation to the legislators and partners who worked alongside us this session, including Rep. Troy Hebert, Rep. Kim Carver, House Commerce Chairman Daryl Deshotel, Rep. Delisha Boyd, Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, Rep. John Wyble, Sen. Beth Mizell, Sen. Greg Miller, Speaker Phillip DeVillier, Senate President Cameron Henry and Governor Jeff Landry for their leadership, accessibility and commitment to addressing issues impacting housing, property rights, insurance affordability, redevelopment and Louisiana’s economic future. Strong policy outcomes are only possible through collaboration, professionalism and sustained engagement. Louisiana REALTORS® remains grateful for the relationships and partnerships that helped move meaningful legislation across the finish line this year. Please view the session wrap-up tracking report provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.
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