Capitol Weekly Podcast

The rent's too damn high: a conversation with AHF's Michael Weinstein

Episode Summary

Michael Weinstein is the president of the LA-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a sprawling international nonprofit with the stated mission of providing its 1.5 million global clients with “cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay.” Weinstein is also the driving force behind several statewide ballot measures, including two previously failed attempts to implement statewide rent control. Undeterred, he is back again this year with a new rent control measure on the November ballot. This time he could also face a challenge of his own – a competing measure aimed at limiting his ability to use AHF funds for these other political campaigns. He’s here today to talk about all of this with us.

Episode Notes

Michael Weinstein is the president of the LA-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a sprawling international nonprofit with the stated mission of providing its 1.5 million global clients with “cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay.” Weinstein is also the driving force behind several statewide ballot measures, including two previously failed attempts to implement statewide rent control. Undeterred, he is back again this year with a new rent control measure on the November ballot. This time he could also face a challenge of his own – a competing measure aimed at limiting his ability to use AHF funds for these other political campaigns. He’s here today to talk about all of this with us.

1:40 What exactly would the Justice for Renters Act do if voters endorse it this time around?

4:10 The rent is too damn high

8:15 Prop 13 comparisons

10:30 L.A. rental unit conditions

16:20 Heavy handed evictions?

19:55 The 98 percent mandate

22:15 Paying for signatures

27:20 Legislative support?

30:40 What if this fails?

33:50 This feels personal

37:30 Worst Week – The Impeachment Blues

Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/

Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang 

"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io