Prop. 98, we hate!
But 99 is just fine.
Prop. 98 on June 3rd Ballot has Vast Impacts
Proposition 98 would go way beyond banning new rent controls and phasing out existing ones, as its proponents spin.
It is likely that most jurisdictions would lose their just cause eviction protections, making any remaining price controls useless. Santa Monica could well be an exception to this effect because our eviction protections are contained within our price control legislation.
However, neighboring Los Angeles with over 600,000 rent controlled units would be much more likely to be subject to the very real possibility of evictions at the whim of their “landlords” (a medieval, but fitting term).
It is quite possible that statewide habitability requirements would be repealed and fair notice periods be reduced.
Requirements that developers include low-income units in their projects or pay an in lieu fee would be outlawed. Most environmental controls on the use of land would become void. Many of these impacts would be stayed after passage until courts issued final opinions interpreting the new State Constitutional provision, which is designed to supercede all state and local laws.
The right wing property rights advocates who drafted the measure have gone to the outside limit of their ultimate goal. The kernel of Prop 98 is: No state or local law, rule or regulation that allows any value in real property to be transferred to anybody else is valid.
Although the drafters of 98 are selling the phasing out of rent control as a humane gentle way to their goal, it is almost entirely a heartless subterfuge.
Even in Santa Monica, many rent-control-protected occupants, those who are not still residing with the tenant(s) who originally rented the unit from their landlord, could be forced to vacate.
With such vast impacts, and its 85% landlord funding, it is strange that the Prop 98 ballot title will be, “Eminent Domain. Limits on Governmental Authority…” That is because Prop 98 is trying to sell itself almost solely as eminent domain reform. Because it makes eminent domain for legitimate government purposes much more expensive and difficult, it will stop or limit many projects having to do with school construction, water storage, water transport, mass transit, and traffic decongestion.
SMRR supports Prop 99, (entitled “Eminent Domain, Limits on Government Acquisition of Owner Occupied Residence…”) Prop 99 simply makes it illegal for government to take an owner-occupied property and transfer it to another private entity. If both get a majority (which is likely), the one with the most votes will win. So it is essential to vote YES on 99 to help defeat 98.
It is not so strange that hundreds of organizations have lined up to oppose 98, with most also supporting Prop. 99, including The League of Women Voters, AARP, California League of Conservation Voters and every major environmental organization, Coalition for Economic Survival and every significant tenant group, Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League and most mobile home resident groups, SEIU and many labor unions, League of Cities and even the California Chamber of Commerce.
SMRR, with its winning electoral record, is playing a key role in helping this campaign plan and implement strategy. At this point, we need your money and time. Please send in your membership donations, check off the volunteer box, and clearly print your email and phone numbers. We’ll keep you informed of where we are and how your help can bring us victory. Vote No on 98 and Yes on 99 in the June 3rd election. (Link to the statewide campaign site thru www.SMRR.org)
We need to raise at least $12 million. If you have ideas and/or contacts for how to get significant sources of money for this battle, immediately call our tenant hotline (310-394-0848) and leave a detailed message along with your name and best times to return your call, or email us at No98@smrr.org