I am writing in favor of Proposition 99 on the June 3 ballot. Proposition 99 is the Homeowners Protection Act; it prohibits government from taking homes for private development. This measure was placed on the ballot to close a legal loophole that was created by the U.S. Supreme Court 2005 decision which rules that government can use eminent domain to take a person’s home and give it to a private developer. If Proposition 99 passes, California would join over 40 other states that have reformed their eminent domain laws. Proposition 99 restricts only the taking of owner-occupied homes; it does not cover the broader restrictions on the taking of other types of private property covered in Proposition 98. 

It is important to carefully read the language of Propositions 98 and 99, both of which deal with the subject of "eminent domain." Proposition 98 would also phase out local control regulations, including rent controls in mobile home parks. The language of Proposition 98 may also prohibit other programs such as mandatory inclusionary housing. 

The League of Women Voters of California supports Proposition 99 because it protects homes from being transferred to private developers, and protects renters. 

Sandi Pantages