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Wildfires prompt evacuation in the Carolinas as New Jersey crews battle their own blaze; Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'; CA groups bring generations together to work on society's biggest problems; PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks.

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Lawmakers from both parties face angry constituents. Some decide to skip town halls rather than address concerned voters and Kentucky considers mandatory Medicaid work requirements.

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Cuts to Medicaid and frozen funding for broadband are both likely to have a negative impact on rural healthcare, which is already struggling. Plus, lawsuits over the mass firing of federal workers have huge implications for public lands.

WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support

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Thursday, February 6, 2025   

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of skyrocketing rental rates by limiting yearly rent increases to 7%. Chris Walker lives in a manufactured home community for seniors just outside of Sequim, Washington and has been organizing for rent stabilization for three years. After her monthly rates started rising sharply, she spoke with other communities and realized she wasn't alone.

"Their lot rents started to increase 30, 40, 50%. It's really disgusting what they've done. We're on fixed incomes," she explained.

Walker said capping rent increases by 7% is helpful, but is only a starting place, since average Social Security benefits increase by less than 3% annually. A new poll shows nearly 70% of Washingtonians support rent stabilization. Two companion bills in the house and senate are working their way quickly through the legislature.

Data show that for every $100 rent increases, homelessness rates go up at least 9%.

Michelle Thomas, director of policy and advocacy with the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, said renters across the state are forced to choose between paying their rent increase and paying for their medications, childcare, or heat. She also hears from landlords who see the value of rent stabilization for their communities.

"There are many good landlords who support rent stabilization because they know they don't need to gouge their renters in order to have a sustainable rental property," she continued.

Opponents of rent stabilization worry it would deter development. Thomas said the legislation exempts new construction for 10 years, allowing time for long term development planning. Oregon and California implemented similar rent stabilization policies in 2019.


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