Protect rent control, print out a No on 98 sign

Propositions 98 and 99 are competing propositions on California's June 3, 2008 ballot.

Proposition 98 would prohibit "state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property for private uses", would change litigation rules to be more friendly to the property owners, and would require the government to allow the original owner to repurchase the property at the original price if it ends up being put to a different use than originally stated. In addition, the proposition would prohibit rent control and similar measures.

Proposition 99 would more narrowly prohibit "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", subject to some exceptions. It would not prohibit rent control, or the use of eminent domain for properties that aren't an owner-occupied residence.

If both propositions pass, but Proposition 99 receives more votes, only it, and not Proposition 98, will become law.

Prop 98 was co-sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and is also supported by landlord groups. It is opposed by tenant groups and associations of cities and redevelopment agencies, who prefer Proposition 99. As of April 2008, supporters of Proposition 98 had raised $3.5 million, and opponents $6.4 million, to conduct their campaigns.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association is the same group that was behind Prop 13 in 1978 -- they're a key reason California doesn't have money for schools, housing, and other services today. They claim to be protecting homeowners, but their real interest is in their own profit. Prop 13 cut taxes for corporations at the expense of communities and Prop 98, by ending rent control, would mean millions more for landlords.