During the first day of REITworld: 2019 annual conference in Los Angeles, a panel of Nareit experts previewed the 2020 congressional elections and provided updates on key legislative items.
Robert Dibblee, senior vice president, government relations, focused on developments in the Senate, where 23 Republican and 12 Democratic seats will be in play next year. Meanwhile, John Jones, vice president, government relations, noted that Republicans would need to flip 18 seats to regain control of the House of Representatives in 2020. Cathy Barre, executive vice president and general counsel, said it appears at this time that Democrats have a “slight edge” to retain the House in 2020.
Key issues in the 2020 election, according to the panel, are expected to include: trade and the economy; health care; immigration; climate control; and defense and national security issues.
The panel also highlighted the status of legislation to extend terrorism risk insurance ahead of the Dec. 31 2020 deadline, as well as California’s “split roll” ballot initiative, which would result in property tax increases if it is approved by voters next year.
Tony Edwards, senior executive vice president, moderated the panel.