The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) commends the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) for approving a resolution recently that underscores the importance of homeownership, and calls on Washington policymakers to take action to shore up the nation's housing markets to achieve a long-lasting economic recovery.

"The nation's lieutenant governors understand that Americans deeply value homeownership and that it is essential to get the housing sector back on firm ground to achieve solid job growth, build healthy communities and move our economy forward," said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. "Resolution sponsors Brian Krolicki (R-Nev.) and Timothy Murray (D-Mass.) have taken a leadership role in working to keep housing atop the national agenda."

The resolution recommends that "the President and Congress act with a sense of urgency to address the nation's housing crisis in a meaningful and responsible manner, while avoiding any legislation or regulatory actions that will inhibit the recovery of the home building industry."

It also spotlights "the role the home building industry must play in helping citizens achieve the American Dream and fueling our country's economic recovery."

"Preventing foreclosures will continue to be a priority for the National Lieutenant Governors Association," said Lieutenant Governor Murray, who was named chair of the NLGA during the association's annual meeting this week. "I was pleased to join Lieutenant Governor Krolicki to co-sponsor this resolution as we work in collaboration with all lieutenant governors in addressing the housing crisis and supporting the home building industry to spur economic development opportunities across the country."

"Nevada was hit particularly hard by the housing crisis, and we look forward to finding solutions to fix this complex issue," added Lieutenant Governor Krolicki. "Bringing housing issues to the forefront is long overdue and we are proud of this bipartisan effort and pledge our continual support in turning the housing market around in Nevada and across the country."