In the lead-up to Veterans Day, veterans and advocacy groups across California are rallying behind Proposition 33, the statewide ballot initiative that will allow for the expansion of rent control in California and provide crucial relief to veterans burdened by high housing costs. If approved, Proposition 33 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, empowering cities and counties statewide to enact rent control measures on a broader range of properties, including single-family homes and apartments built after 1995.

“Veterans relying on fixed incomes, such as V.A. disability or retirement benefits, are especially vulnerable to California’s rising rent costs,” said Wendy Calderon, VFWCA District 1 Commander, speaking on behalf of California veteran organizations. “Proposition 33 gives communities the option to protect veterans from unaffordable rent hikes, allowing them to focus on health, wellbeing, and a successful transition to civilian life.”

How Proposition 33 Benefits Veterans:

1. Extended Rent Control Protections: Repealing Costa-Hawkins would allow California communities to extend rent control to homes and newer buildings, providing veterans more options for affordable, rent-stabilized housing.
2. Increased Stability: Proposition 33 would protect veterans from large, unexpected rent increases, creating long-term housing stability. This stability is crucial for veterans, particularly those managing mental health conditions like PTSD.
3. Better Use of Assistance Programs: Current high rents often exceed HUD-VASH voucher limits, making it difficult for veterans to find affordable options. Expanded rent control would help align rental prices with the limits of assistance programs, making more units accessible to veterans in need.

“By passing Proposition 33, Californians can honor the commitment to veterans by ensuring they have access to secure and affordable housing,” stated Carlos Marroquin, a veteran and national director for AHF’s Food for Health Program and a representative from the Yes on 33 coalition. “This measure is essential to addressing the unique housing challenges faced by veterans across the state.”

Proposition 33, sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and now endorsed by more than 100 elected and formerly elected officials in California as well as more than 100 labor, senior, veteran, healthcare, and tenant groups, is just 23 words: “The state may not limit the right of any city, county, or city and county to maintain, enact or expand residential rent control.”

Notable figures and groups who have endorsed Proposition 33 include the California Democratic Party, both San Francisco & Los Angeles Counties, the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH), Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), labor and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, UNITE HERE Co-President Ada Briceño, Democratic National Committee Member Christine Pelosi, and the California DSA.

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