That's right. California is voting today, on two important ballot initiatives regarding eminent domain and rent control.
We have two related ballot initiatives up for vote today.
Proposition 98 is a controversial measure that attempts to hide its true agenda. Prop 98:
# Bars state and local governments from taking or damaging private property for private uses.
# Prohibits rent control and similar measures.
# Prohibits deference to government in takings cases.
# Defines "just compensation."
# Requires an award of attorneys fees and costs if a property owner obtains a judgment for more than the amount offered by the government.
# Requires government to offer to original owner of condemned property the right to repurchase property at condemned price when property is put to substantially different use than was publicly stated.
If Prop 98 passes, it means the end of rent control. Landlords will have the power to raise rents by whatever annual amount they wish. Please vote NO ON PROPOSITION 98.
Proposition 98 has faced harsh criticism and even lawsuits because the title of the Proposition does not even mention the effect it would have on rent control, only eminent domain.
Some groups that support Prop 98: California Association of REALTORS, California Business Alliance, Apartment Owner Association of California, California Federation of Republican Women, California Republican Party,California Libertarian Party, Orange County Lincoln Club, Riverside County Libertarian Party. Complete list here.
Some groups that oppose Prop 98: AARP, Consumers Coalition of California, California Teachers Association, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Housing Consortium (CHC), Housing Rights, Inc., League of California Homeowners, National Wildlife Federation. Complete list here.
Proposition 99:
Bars state and local governments from using eminent domain to acquire an owner-occupied residence, as defined, for conveyance to a private person or business entity. Creates exceptions for public work or improvement, public health and safety protection, and crime prevention. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would likely not have a significant fiscal impact on state or local governments.
Prop 99 places limits on the government's right to seize single family homes, leaving only the exceptions of public works, public health, or crime prevention. Perhaps more importantly, Proposition 99 has a special provision that, in the event that both measures pass, the one that receives the most votes becomes the law, so it is essential that you vote on these propositions. Please vote YES ON PROPOSITION 99.
Some groups that support Prop 99: League of Women Voters of California, California Alliance for Retired Americans, Speaker of the House, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D), U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D), National Wildlife Federation, Audubon California, Complete list here.
Some groups that oppose Prop 99: I haven't found a complete list of opposition to Prop 99 (if you have a link, please send to me), but I did find this site: "The Truth About Prop 99" which lists in the fine print: A Coalition of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, funded by Thomas Coates, the California Association of Realtors Issues PAC, and the California Farm Bureau Federation.
The opposition to Prop 99 appears to be very similar to the support for Prop 98.
So, get out there and vote to save rent control!