California Labor Federation Opposes California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

“The California Labor Federation opposes a deceptive initiative by wealthy landlords to abolish rent control under the guise of ‘eminent domain’. The California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act aims to eliminate laws that require developers to set aside a certain amount of affordable housing for working families. It would also jeopardize laws that require the fair return of rental deposits, and eliminate regulations that require 30 or 60 day notices before landlords can displace renters.

“The wealthy landlords who are sponsoring this bill want voters to believe their measure is about eminent domain reform, but in reality, the bill contains hidden agendas that would eliminate renter's rights. The landlords are spending millions to get their measure on the ballot, because they stand to reap tens of millions of dollars in higher rents from hard-working families and retirees.

“We hope that our members and voters understand that this dishonest scheme would eliminate rent control and tenant rights. We encourage people to be careful when signing petitions to avoid placing this untruthful initiative on the June 2008 ballot.

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