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SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California, the ACLU of Southern California, and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties announced their endorsement of Proposition 10 that would restore the power of local governments to limit rent increases.
If passed, the November 6 ballot initiative will give local municipalities the authority to regulate rent increases, allowing communities to address California's housing affordability and homeless crises.
Abdi Soltani, executive director of the ACLU of Northern California, said: "Without affordable housing, it is impossible to achieve our mission of being a guardian of justice, fairness, equality, and freedom. Restoring the power of local communities to limit rent increases is a key component to making housing affordable for all Californians, that is why we fully support Prop 10."
"Without the ability to put a check on unconscionable rent increases, low-income workers and families will continue to be rent-burdened, living paycheck to paycheck," said Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California. "Prop 10 will give local communities the power to stop corporate landlords and Wall Street speculators from driving up rents and making life unaffordable for working families."
Since its inception nearly 100 years ago, the ACLU has long defended the fundamental rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. In California, the ACLU has vigorously championed economic rights as civil rights.
Norma Chávez-Peterson, executive director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, said: "Every family, every individual, every senior, every low-income worker deserves an affordable place to live. Housing is a human right."
"We are proud to have the state's three ACLU affiliates join us in the fight for safe, affordable, supportive housing to address the homeless crisis. For decades, the ACLU has been fighting for justice and fairness, and that is what Prop 10 will do," said Joe Trippi, lead strategist of the Yes on 10 campaign. "Together we can level the playing field and bring parity to working class families across the state."
