November Election: Fact-checking ad against California Apartment Association on Props 33 & 34
Political groups are spending big bucks to weigh in on your vote for some controversial ballot measures in the Nov. 5 election.
One ad in particular is focused on both Propositions 33 and 34.
These are measures that the California Apartment Association (CAA) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) have very different perspectives on.
For instance, Prop 33 would make it easier for local governments to impose rent control. CAA is against it while AHF supports it.
Meanwhile, Prop 34 would limit how some healthcare providers, like AHF, can use the money they make from selling discounted prescription drugs.
Supporters say it will make sure money goes to patients who need it, closing a loophole that allows corporations to spend it on things like salaries.
However, AHF calls this a "revenge initiative,” saying it is an attempt to restrict its advocacy for things like tenant protection.
AHF is among the top funders for Renters and Homeowners for Rent Control Yes on 33, a political committee that released an ad to encourage people to “vote yes on 33 and no on 34.”
Here's what the ad claims: “The California Apartment Association is run by billionaire corporate landlords. These very same landlords like Stephen Schwarzman, worth $39 billion, are filling the pockets of the MAGA movement.”
Campaign finance records online show Stephen Schwarzman has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to former President Donald Trump's campaign this year while a business Schwarzman is associated with has also contributed more than $1 million to CAA’s political action committee.
So, this claim is partly true, but Schwarzman is not on the board that runs CAA.
As for those who are, a few have donated to Trump's previous presidential campaigns over the years or are associated with companies whose executives have.
“This is yet another attempt by the yes side to distract from their flailing campaign. Progressive editorial boards like the Sacramento Bee, LA Times and SF Chronicle all oppose Prop 33 because it would have a chilling effect on housing production in the state,” said Nathan Click, a spokesperson for the No on 33 campaign.
The CAA, which represents owners, investors, developers, managers and suppliers, also says about half of its members just own between one and four units.
More than $112 million in contributions have been reported to the state through Oct. 1, 2024, to weigh in on Prop 33 on rent control. Most of that is coming from opposition groups.
Meanwhile, contributions through Oct. 1, 2024, for and against Prop 34 amount to more than $35 million, according to campaign finance data on the California Secretary of State’s website. Nearly $30 million of that is in support of the ballot measure.
For more information about the November election, including more key issues and races on the ballot, check out the KCRA 3 Voter Guide.