No on Prop 98 and Yes on Prop 99

Prop. 98 Is An Attack on Renters, Water Infrastructure, the Environment and Our Communities

Prop. 98 on the June 2008 ballot is a deceptive and poorly-drafted measure that would do widespread harm to Californians. Dubbed the "Hidden Agendas Scheme", it would eliminate rent control and renter protections, hurt efforts to ensure a reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water, threaten land-use planning and jeopardize laws that protect the environment and our communities.

At first glance it's easy to be fooled by Prop. 98, and its proponents are hoping voters don't look further than their claims about eminent domain reform. But, hidden in the definitions of the measure are harmful, far-reaching provisions that would amend our state Constitution for the worse.

One of these provisions would eliminate all future rent control laws in California, so as soon as a renter moves out, that home is gone from the affordable housing supply forever. With more than 1 million California renters living in rent controlled units, the impacts of this measure could be devastating. Prop. 98 would also gut renter protections for all of California's 14 million renters, like those requiring the fair return of deposits or proper notice before kicking renters out of their homes.

Over 85% of the funding for Prop. 98 comes from apartment owners and mobile home park owners whose main goal is to eliminate rent control. However people feel about rent control, proponents should campaign honestly about what their real goals are and not hide behind the guise of eminent domain.

Another problem with Prop. 98 is that it threatens our ability to ensure an adequate water supply. Prop. 98 defines "private use" as the "transfer of ownership, occupancy or use of private property or associated property rights to a public agency for the consumption of natural resources." Since virtually all aspects of public water projects involve the "consumption of natural resources," Prop. 98 would preclude many public water projects.

The Association of California Water Agencies opposes Prop. 98, saying the measure "could derail needed groundwater and surface water storage projects around the state" and calls flaws in the measure "cause for alarm." The Western Growers Association, representing California farmers and ranchers, also opposes Prop. 98 concluding its language creates an "unacceptable risk." Those who care about the deliverability of safe, quality drinking water for our growing population, and our state's economic growth should oppose Prop. 98.

Also hidden in the definition of "private use" is a provision that would cripple land-use planning, gut environmental protections and threaten communities and public safety. This provision prohibits laws and regulations that "transfer an economic benefit to one or more private persons at the expense of the property owner." Since the courts have ruled that almost all land use decisions transfer economic benefit at the expense of some property owner, the reach of this definition is virtually limitless.

The types of laws and regulations that could be impacted include a wide range of environmental protections including those that curb global warming and protect open space; zoning laws that protect our communities from liquor stores and other businesses being located near schools or homes; and approvals of new businesses needed for economic growth.

SCANPH has joined a broad coalition opposing Prop. 98, including the League of California Homeowners, League of Woman Voters of California, AARP, California Chamber of Commerce, California Police Chiefs Association, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Teachers Association, National Wildlife Federation, California Black Chamber of Commerce, Coalition to Protect California Renters, and many others. These groups will be working hard to ensure that voters understand the hidden provisions in Prop. 98 and the adverse consequences for our communities

Many of the same groups who oppose Prop. 98 also support Prop. 99 - a true eminent domain reform measure called the Homeowners Protection Act. Prop. 99 will protect owner-occupied homes from being taken by eminent domain to transfer to a private party. It is a straightforward, reform without the hidden agendas and adverse consequences of Prop. 98. To learn more and get involved, visit www.no98yes99.com

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