California Votes to Protect Rent Control

Voters Oppose Deceptive Scheme by Wealthy Landlords

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

“In yesterday’s election, California voters shot down Proposition 98, the deceptive initiative by wealthy landlords to abolish rent control under the guise of ‘eminent domain’ reform. Instead, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 99, a common-sense measure that would reform eminent domain without undoing renters’ rights.

“Proposition 98, the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act, was a dishonest scheme from the onset. If passed, it would have eliminated the laws that require developers to set aside a certain amount of affordable housing for working families. It would also have jeopardized laws that require the fair return of rental deposits, and eliminated regulations that require 30 or 60 day notices before landlords can displace renters.

“California voters refuse to sacrifice their rights as renters to reform eminent domain. By approving Proposition 99 instead of Proposition 98, Californians have proven that they cannot be tricked by a deceptive hidden agenda scheme.”

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