[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] FW: IMPORTANT-Amateur Radio Parity Act

[Don Lewis (KI4D)]

I am forwarding this note from the ARRL Roanoke Division Director concerning support for the Amateur Radio Parity Act.  As you know we have discussed this topic on our weekly net from time to time.  But now is the most critical time ever to give this topic your attention.  

Don, KI4D

-----Original Message-----
From: ARRL Members Only Web site [mailto:memberlist at www.arrl.org] 
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2016 6:09 AM
To: donovan.lewis.sr at gmail.com
Subject: IMPORTANT-Amateur Radio Parity Act

Dear ARRL Members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West
Virginia:
 
Amateur Radio needs your help.  Please take a few minutes to read through this entire email, which will shape the future of Ham Radio.

This past Monday, an important first step in antenna relief took place as the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Amateur Radio Parity Act, HR1301.  The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for a vote, and that's where we need your help.  By now you should have received an email from ARRL asking for you to click on a safe hyperlink and enter your zip code, which will automatically send letters to your state's two U.S. Senators asking for their vote for the Parity Act.  If HR1301 passes the Senate, it will then go to the President for his signature and will become law. 
Please help us in the effort.  It takes only a few minutes.  Please go to this linked website and follow the prompts:

https://arrl.rallycongress.net/ctas/urge-senate-to-support-amateur-radio-parity-act

As elected officials of the ARRL, we are permitted only reach out to members.  However, the use of this Rally Congress web link can be used by anyone who desires to support this legislation.
This is the first federal antenna relief measure in 31 years since the FCC issued the PRB-1 ruling.  If it becomes law, the Amateur Radio Parity Act will permit licensed Amateur Radio operators to set up an effective outdoor antenna in neighborhoods and subdivisions with antenna restrictions.  Trade industry data suggest that up to half of all Hams live in Home Owner Association (HOA) regulated housing. 
Furthermore, upwards of three out of four new housing units are covered by homeowner restrictions. Antenna restrictions have been an impediment to operation for many radio operators, so please take a few minutes now to generate letters to your U.S. Senators in support of HR1301.
Remember who will benefit from this legislation, in addition to those that are currently impacted:
•       Older Hams who downsize or relocate to smaller housing
•       Operators who move into assisted living facilities
•       Hams who move into HOA restricted neighborhoods to take care
of an aging or disabled individual
•       Working or military Hams who are in short term housing
•       Youth who get an interest in Amateur Radio and want to become
licensed
•       Emergency communicators who can provide vital neighborhood
links with responders and government agencies While you may not be currently impacted by antenna restrictions, hundreds of thousands of Hams are.  Unless they get a chance to get on the air, the number of licensed operators will diminish, and with that the possible future of our hobby and public service.  Every ARRL member needs to contact their U.S. senators now (PLEASE!).
Look for upcoming notices from us, your Section Managers, and the www.arrl.org website.
Our thanks to the overwhelming number of ARRL members who contacted their U.S. House Representatives to help get HR1301 passed!
73,

Dr. Jim Boehner, N2ZZ
ARRL Roanoke Division Director                         

Bill Morine, N2COP
ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director

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ARRL Virginia Section
Section Manager: Dr Joseph G Palsa, K3WRY k3wry at arrl.org
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