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The number of U.S. businesses and individuals filing for bankruptcy is rising, in part because of tighter lending standards that make it more difficult for small businesses and individuals to stay afloat. In April, 5,173 businesses filed for bankruptcy, a 49 percent increase from a year ago, reports Jupiter eSources LLC. Total bankruptcy filings, which include both businesses and individuals, rose 31 percent to 93,096 from the same period a year ago. Jupiter said it expects total 2008 filings to hit 1.1 million nationally, up from 827,00 in 2007 and 590,000 in 2006.

Myth 1: Opponents claim that tenants currently in rent controlled units will be summarily evicted.

Fact: Tenants currently in rent controlled units cannot be summarily evicted. Prop 98 only lifts rent controls AFTER a tenant: (1) vacates the unit voluntarily or (2) has been removed for a just cause, which is defined by local rent control ordinances.

Myth 2: Critics of reform claim that Prop 98 threatens the construction of state water projects.

Fact: Prop 98 will NOT limit the construction of state water projects. This view has been rejected by independent legal authorities such as the Institute for Justice, the organization that litigated the Kelo case, as wel as a prominent water attorney that represents numerous California water agencies. Experts have affirmed Prop 98's intent to protect government's use of eminent domain for legitimate public use – state water projects are OBVIOUSLY a legitimate public use. Additionally, the state Legislative Analyst's Office did not cite any impact on water projects in their report to the Attorney General's office.

Myth 3: Opponents claim that Prop 98 prevents local governments from using eminent domain to obtain property for PUBLIC purposes, like schools, libraries, etc.

Fact: Prop 98 ONLY prevents eminent domain from being used to seize private property to give to other PRIVATE entities. The state Legislative Analyst’s Office says this: “Under the measure, government could continue to take property for facilities that it would own and use, such as new schools, roads, parks, and public facilities.”

Support Proposition 98 and oppose Proposition 99!

Both propositions will be on the June 2008 statewide ballot. Proposition 98 would impose an outright ban on the use of eminent domain to take any private property – including homes, business and farms – for another private use. Obviously, using eminent domain to take property for a public use is not affected.

One of the many benefits of Proposition 98 is that it prohibits future imposition of rent control and inclusionary zoning. Local governments will not be allowed to impose any new rent control – as units are vacated, rent controls will be lifted. Opponents are circulating misinformation, claiming that Prop 98 would displace current tenants. This is simply not the case. To be clear, Prop 98’s rent control provision would only go into effect when an apartment or mobile home space is voluntarily vacated.