01/18/2008
CONTACT: John Kabateck or Michelle Orrock, 916-448-9904
Opponents of Eminent Domain Reform Embrace Failed Practice
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The National Federation of Independent Business/California today applauded a recently released report that disputes claims by private property rights opponents that eminent domain is a required tool to for urban renewal.
The report, "Doomsday? No Way," by the Institute for Justice, the organization that litigated the Kelo vs. New London case, is the second report to be released by IJ that demonstrates that the use of eminent domain is a draconian and outdated tool employed by local government for the purposes of redevelopment. Specifically, the report studied data from three states that have passed eminent domain reforms and concludes that, despite predictions of doomsday by eminent domain abusers, large-scale economic development can and does occur without eminent domain.
"California law needs to be changed to provide private property protections to all Californians," said John Kabateck, California executive director for the National Federation of Independent Business. "Government fails to understand that demolishing people's homes and businesses comes with a significant personal and financial cost. This practice is wrong and needs to stop."
The study undermines the case of redevelopment interests, such as the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and the California Redevelopment Association, that private property protections undermine economic development and our quality of life.
Proponents of private property rights recently qualified The California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act for the June 2008 ballot. This initiative is endorsed by NFIB, the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, the Black Chamber of Commerce and a diverse coalition of taxpayer, faith-based and good government organizations. Sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the California Farm Bureau Federation and the California Alliance to Protect Private Property Rights, the measure prohibits private-to-private takings while allowing traditional uses of eminent domain for roads, schools and water projects. For more campaign information, visit www.yesonpropertyrights.com.
