To: The Washington State House, The Washington State Senate, and Governor Jay Inslee
Repeal RCW 35.21.830
Senior homelessness and Family displacement are a direct result of the NO Rent Control Law RCW 35.21.830 that was funded and founded by "Rent for Profit" Property Corporations who don't care about what happens to families or whether housing is affordable. Our beautiful state is in a death grip by people who don't live or work here, but only see us as numbers on a spreadsheet. Seniors and Families are the hardest hit by this. Right now several generations are beginning to live together under one roof because family members can't afford to rent anywhere. This affects homeowners as well as renters since property taxes are driven up by the artificial inflation the ever increasing rent prices cause.
Those who pay to rehouse Seniors or Families displaced by this strategy are, in a roundabout way, simply transferring their money into the hands of the Corporations who must show a profit to their investors. We let our guard down and allowed this to happen! Everything necessary for life is already regulated except for Rent. Utilities are regulated, some foods are regulated, gas and oil for transportation are regulated. None of those regulated supplies will help you if you don't have a place to live. Countries that practice Rent Control do not have runaway inflation, people can earn a Living Wage (not a minimum wage) and have a decent place to live. Having NO Rent Control only serves the interests of non-caring investors, it does NOT serve the interests of the people of Washington State. Repeal RCW 35.21.830. The voters will track who votes for repeal and who doesn't. We will vote out those who don't vote to repeal this shameful law!
Those who pay to rehouse Seniors or Families displaced by this strategy are, in a roundabout way, simply transferring their money into the hands of the Corporations who must show a profit to their investors. We let our guard down and allowed this to happen! Everything necessary for life is already regulated except for Rent. Utilities are regulated, some foods are regulated, gas and oil for transportation are regulated. None of those regulated supplies will help you if you don't have a place to live. Countries that practice Rent Control do not have runaway inflation, people can earn a Living Wage (not a minimum wage) and have a decent place to live. Having NO Rent Control only serves the interests of non-caring investors, it does NOT serve the interests of the people of Washington State. Repeal RCW 35.21.830. The voters will track who votes for repeal and who doesn't. We will vote out those who don't vote to repeal this shameful law!
Why is this important?
Out of control rents causes family instability and senior homelessness. We tried it their way (Corporate for-profit) and it's not working for the people of this State! Now let's try the method used by other Countries successfully to control runaway inflation and ensure everyone has a decent place to live.