September 18, 2020
THA is located in Wilson County, which is currently under a face mask mandate until September 30, 2020.
Messages from THA
Fall is in the air! Enjoy this weekend!
Virginia Landlord Takes Action Against CDC National Eviction Moratorium
On September 8th, Richard Lee (Rick) Brown, a resident of Virginia, filed a complaint against the CDC and various agency heads. The filing was presented to courts in Georgia, as the CDC is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

In the complaint filed, Mr. Brown sets forth approximately 98 statement of facts, which Brown believes, supports his pursuit of relief from the court. Specifically, Mr. Brown demands judgement against the CDC, and seeks to invalidate the CDC's national eviction moratorium order.

Among other statement of facts presented, Mr. Brown contends the CDC has no statutory authority to issue law, as that responsibility is set in the Constitution as a function of Congress. Further, the CDC has not identified any act of Congress which delegated authority to impose an eviction moratorium across the United States, and with no applicable grant of statutory authority to suspend laws, the CDC has no authority to do anything with respect to state laws. In case law referenced, "Emergency does not create power. Emergency does not increase granted power or remove or diminish the restrictions imposed upon power granted or reserved."
September 13-19, 2020
Did you know?

This year's National Truck Driver Appreciation Week has been going on this week! Recognition in 2020 takes on a special significance considering the crucial role truck drivers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivered the goods and resources people need.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for America to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. These 3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, they also keep our highways safe.
FinCEN Seeks Comments on Enhancing the Effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering Programs

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit public comment on a wide range of questions pertaining to potential regulatory amendments under the Bank Secrecy Act. The proposals under consideration are intended to provide financial institutions greater flexibility in the allocation of resources and greater alignment of priorities across industry and government, resulting in the enhanced effectiveness and efficiency of anti-money laundering programs. Comments from all interested parties will help inform the scope of any future regulatory actions and should be submitted within 60 days of the ANPRM’s publication in the Federal Register.
!! ACTION ALERT !!
Tell Congress to...
Act on Two Major Policies that Impact Manufactured Housing
--FIRST ASK --
Stabilize The Lumber Supply
What We Are Asking
Ask Congress to contact President Trump to urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production.

Justification
Since mid-April, framing lumber prices have soared roughly 80 percent, while the price of oriented strand board is up well over 100 percent from a year ago.

A combination of factors has led to increased volatility lumber prices, including lumber mills operating at a diminished capacity, if at all, in the Spring. Housing demand has remained steady across the country and there was also an unexpected surge in demand from do-it-yourselfers (DIY) and big box retailers during the pandemic. With the economy already facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of COVID-19, predictable pricing for materials will be crucial to supporting the needs of homebuyers.
--SECOND ASK --
Pass Targeted Rental Assistance Funding
What We Are Asking
Ask Congress to provide rental assistance funding to stabilize the rental housing sector. 
 
Justification
The halt on evictions imposed by the CDC without funding for rental assistance puts the stability of the rental housing sector in danger.

Congress’ next COVID-19 relief package must include funding for rental assistance to keep residents who have a COVID-related hardship in their homes, and to support housing providers who are already stretched thin providing necessary assistance and services for residents.

Without funding, the very people the halt on evictions aims to help will be harmed by making it impossible for housing providers to meet their financial obligations and continue to provide shelter to their residents. 
A letter has already been prepared! Just enter your name, address, etc in the form provided at each link above, and press submit!
DREAMS DO COME TRUE
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
Governor Bill Lee and the Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, recently announced 66 communities will be receiving Community Development Block Grants.

In total, over $27 million in funding will go to assist communities with infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitations, and health and safety initiatives.
U.S. Census Bureau Releases Fresh Statistics from Household Pulse Survey
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced the release of new statistical data from their recent Household Pulse Survey. 

The Household Pulse Survey, published by the U.S. Census Bureau, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, produces data on the social and economic effects of the coronavirus on American households. The report, which was compiled from data collected between August 19-31, 2020, provides a thorough analysis of the survey’s findings. The analysis data provided is available on both the national and individual state level and is broken into convenient downloadable tables.
What is MyTN?
MyTN is a mobile application providing personalized service delivery to Tennesseans through technology solutions. MyTN provides a single point of access to a growing list of services through a secure account - 24/7 access in the palm of your hand!
Make sure you visit your phone's app store, to download to your mobile device!
MAKING DATA DRIVEN DECISIONS
If you missed the September 10th webinar, sponsored by ManufacturedHomes.com, you can view it free here.
The TN State of Emergency, related to the ongoing pandemic currently extends to September 30, 2020.
Tennessee Governor Lee
Statewide Press Conference

Stay tuned to your local stations for weekly scheduled dates and times.

Online live and prerecorded viewing may be accessed HERE.
During Governor Lee's press conference on Thursday (09/17/20), surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the following updates were provided:

  • The Department of Health announced 3 new initiatives around the resumption of long-term care facility visitations. The first initiative involves expanding visitation options, which also allows for facilities to implement an essential caregiver program. This program subjects designated caregivers to the same required COVID-19 safety standards set forth for facility staff, while allowing family members to care for their loved ones daily. The second initiative allows enhanced resident interactions, which allows for communal social activities and visits by non-health care personnel such as barbers and beauticians. The third initiative establishes the Tennessee COVID-19 Long-Term Care Task Force to develop and implement new policy solutions to address immediate and future issues impacting long-term care facilities during the pandemic. Additional information can be found in the Department of Health's press release here.
  • The Governor continues to encourage businesses to inquire with the Department of Revenue about the Tennessee Business Relief Funds. The deadline to seek relief funds through this program is September 25th.
  • The Department of Labor & Workforce Development announced they will resume their 'work search' requirement, which requires weekly work searches, beginning October 2nd. Additional information can be found in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development's press release here.
  • The Department of Education announced that 90% of districts have submitted data around COVID-19 infections to the department's dashboard. Despite the increased reporting of positive cases in schools, overall positive cases have decreased to 400 in students and 197 in staff across the state. 
TN Surveillance Data - COVID-19
The TN COVID-19 Public Information # is 877/857-2945 or 833/556-2476.
Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

The THA 2020 Political Action Committee (PAC) Campaign is in full swing!


We have received $24,147 towards our $35,000 Goal. 68.9%!
The THA-PAC is accepting contributions!

Thank you for your consideration!
Tennessee accepts corporate, personal and LLC contributions. Your contribution is critical! 
  
  • As the campaign season for November elections is in full swing here in Tennessee, your political contribution of funds is critical to our industry's state success. 

  • Access to our legislative members is key, as was just proven by THAs successful passing of much needed changes to our transportation law.

  • Please support the THA-PAC, to allow THA's continuance of educating key lawmakers on the importance of our industry, while also providing general counsel in ways of promoting manufactured homes as a viable option for addressing the affordable housing crisis.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTITUTE (MHI)
Dr. Lesli Gooch
Chief Executive Officer, MHI
Mark Bowersox
President, MHI
MHI In Action
MHI Again Tells FHFA that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Must Continue Moving
Forward with their DTS Plans
Earlier this week, MHI participated in a Listening Session hosted by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on the establishment of proposed risk-based capital rule requirements for the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This is one of many moves FHFA is making to recapitalize and reinforce the Enterprises as it assesses their exit from conservatorship.
MHI Tells House Committee about Current Regulatory Barriers to Manufactured Housing
At the request of Representative James Comer (R-KY), MHI provided comments to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform about several regulatory barriers at the federal, state and local levels that need to be addressed to ensure manufactured housing remains an attainable option for people seeking affordable housing options.
MHI Joins Coalition to Urge Reauthorization of National Flood Insurance Program
Together with a coalition of national trade associations with interests ranging from real estate and construction to insurance and banking, MHI urged Congress to take immediate action to avoid any lapse in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is set to expire September 30, 2020. If the NFIP’s authorization does lapse, FEMA would still have authority to ensure the payment of valid insurance claims; however, the agency would stop originating new policies or renewing existing ones, which would affect millions of properties across the nation. Because of MHI and its coalition partners’ ongoing efforts, the NFIP has been successfully reauthorized numerous times since the end of the 2017 fiscal year. 

Upcoming MHI Webinar
September 29, 2020
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
Education Makes a Good Community Manager Great

Presented by: Amy Bliss, 
Wisconsin Housing Alliance and 
Ross Kinzler, Pin Point Strategies 

Community managers are at the front-line of ensuring an MHC is well-maintained, revenue is collected, expenses are reasonable, and residents are happy. Their professionalism and knowledge can positively impact every facet of the community, including the customer experience, preventative maintenance, financial management, and effective leasing and sales techniques. Learn about MHC-specific education that is available to community managers and how these programs turn good community managers into great community managers. Investing in active property management can save you time, money and headaches.
The webinar cost is $25 per person.

Sponsored by: Cavco Industries, Credit Human, Fairmont Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Palm Harbor Homes
2020 Webinar Series: Embracing Change
Upcoming Free Webinar
Live from KMHI in Louisville
Thursday, September 24, 2020, 2 PM ET
SAVE THE DATE
  • Thursday, October 8, 2020, 2 PM ET - Chris Nicely - Next Step

  • Thursday, November 5, 2020, 2 PM ET - Growing Your Business - Boom! The Next 10 Years - Ken Corbin

  • Thursday, November 19, 2020, 2 PM ET - The State of Emotional Assistance Alligators and Other Changes to Assistance Animal Rules - Matt Paletz

  • Thursday, December 3, 2020, 2 PM ET - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

  • Thursday, December 17, 2020, 2 PM ET - Development - Lenny Kopowski
Free Webinars
Powered/Sponsored by: ManufacturedHomes.com
January 20 - 22, 2021
For more information, contact Show Coordinator Dennis J. Hill at (770) 587-3350.
MISSISSIPPI HOME SHOW
NEW LOCATION & DATES ANNOUNCED!
Save the Date: March 15 - 18, 2021
IP Casino and Hotel, Biloxi, MS

HOSTED BY THE SOUTH CENTRAL MANUFACTURED HOUSING INSTITUTE

Come Experience the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
The THA Annual Member's Meeting & 65th Anniversary Celebration has been postponed until June 27 - 29, 2021.
Initial Licensing/Certification Retailer/Installer Education
available online for Tennessee!
Initial Licensing/Certification
05 Hour Continuing Education
Several current license holders and certified employees have not completed their annual required education for license renewal. Many have expiration dates which are rapidly approaching. Ensure you keep your working credentials in order! Business is brisk right now, and we can't afford to lose anyone from the work list, when class can be completed at anytime, on any day!!
MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN! ALWAYS BE PREPARED!