Schwarzenegger Cuts Renter's Rebate, California Renters Protest
In California yesterday, renters left their apartments in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco to protest the Governor's elimination of the Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance Program, a state program that helps senior low-income senior, blind and disabled renters in California.
Defunding the renter assistance program put the State of California $191 million closer to balancing its $15.4 billion dollar deficit and was the single biggest line item veto on the budget, leaving many needy California renters wondering what cuts they would be needing to make in order to pay rent.
California's Renter Assistance Program allows an annual payment from the state to qualified individuals based on property taxes that they indirectly pay through rent. To qualify for the tax rebate of $347.50, you must be 62 years of age or older, blind, or disabled, pay at least $50 per month in rent and have a total household income of less than $44,096 a year.
Tenants Together, a statewide nonprofit organization “dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of California tenants to safe, decent and affordable housing," organized a statewide protest against the Governor's budget plan.
In San Francisco, newly elected Assemblymen Tom Ammiano decried the Governor's cuts, pointing out that the renter's rebate was designed to help some of California's most vulnerable citizens. Mr. Ammiano suggests reinstating the vehicle license fee to cover the cost of the program.
In Los Angeles, a spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Karen Bass read a letter outlining the Speaker's commitment to negotiate with the Governor on the matter, a key development for the future of the protest.
It was also reported that Tenants Together's Day of Action also sparked an impromptu protest in Selma, in Fresno County. Seniors rights groups such as the AARP and the California Alliance of Retired Americans have joined Tenants Together to raise awareness across the state about the $191 million dollar cut.
Though the Governor has already signed the budget, it looks as though he will continue to face opposition on the defunding of the renters rebate.
It seems unlikely that the Governor would have chosen to cut this particular program, a small but meaningful subsidy for the elderly and disabled to help with their housing costs, unless it was completely necessary.
What do you think should be done? Should taxes be raised to cover the cost of this program?
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27 Responses to “Schwarzenegger Cuts Renter's Rebate, California Renters Protest"
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December 3rd, 2008 at 8:49 am
as I put my glasses further down on my nose, “lets see now,
oh yea we can take from the poor and disabled and pay for our recent misjudgements in the states money mismanagement"
“we can blame it on the wildfires, that burned all those multi-million dollar homes, and the tourist drawing state parks" “I am not giving up all the pagentry of speaking engagements, or perks for lobbiest, (the ones that donate
to campaines that benifit me) and I don't see why I should
cut into my own wages or that of my staff" that wouldn't help that much anyway. I am not going to get it from the
sub-prime lenders and brokers, they are having a hard time
right now, really even the ones that drove up the cost of homes in Ca. have put so much sales tax money in our coffers
we need to give them a break. “So the only reasonable thing to do is to get it from those who really don't matter anyway
and can't do much about it." “Now for lunch I'll have butter
grilled lobster, and a dry martini, shaken not stirred"
December 18th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
SEASONS GRETTINGS……HA`HA`HA
Well, I …Without a Doubt, Realize My Small Compaint Will Mean Very Little to " OUR GOVERNERMENT " ! ….Most likely this Will NOT Even Be Read , But Instead, DELETED. I Was Quite Shocked When I Did NOT Recieve My Ca. Renter's Rebate. And, I'm sure Many Other… Thousands of Needy Californian's Recieved The Same Dissapointment ! Why Did We Californian's Even Bother To Fill Out The Applications That Had Been Provided By Our Gov. We Really Needed This Money And WE DO Look Foward To It's Arrival ! We “ARE" The Low Income, Diabled Californian's And We Do Have Name's , Faces,and Feelings!!! And YES… WE FEEL CHEATED !!! Way To Go ~ Take From The Poor! Such A Shameful Thing To Do !!! PLEASE.. Give Us Our Money ! YOU PROVIDED THE REBATE APPLICATIONS , DO THE RIGHT THING ~ BE HONORABLE, BE A CALIFORNIAN AND PLEASE, GIVE US OUR REBATES !!! WE KNOW THE MONEY IS THERE. AND AS I SEE IT,SOME OF YOU ARE SOO RICH YOURSELFS,HOW ABOUT A GOVERNMENT FUNDRAISER? GOVERNMENT DONATIONS ??? JUST A THOUGHT ~~~ REGARDLESS, “HAPPY HOLIDAYS ANYWAY"
Sincerly, Bummed Out By My Own Stat
January 6th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
WE AS CALIFORNIANS ,WE AS RETIRED,DIABLED,DEAF,OR BLIND ,HAVE ONLY ONE THING AT THE END OF THE YEAR TO LOOK FORWARD TO," THAT LITTLE CHECK",ONLY THOSE THAT ARE IN OUR SITUATION ,UNDERSTAND WHAT A BLESSING IT IS TO HAVE A BURDEN OF A BILL PAID,RENT,ELECTRIC,GAS OR WATER,NOT COUNTING FOOD !!!
WE DONT SEE ANYONE IN THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE DOING WITHOUT!!
WHAT IF,THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAPPEN TO BE IN OUR SITUATION,I WONDER ,WHAT WOULD HAPPEN THEN???
BRING BACK OUR REBATE,WE DESERVE IT!!SHOULD OF
USED THE MONEY FROM ALL THE APPLICATIONS,AS WE ALL KNOW WE ARE ALL ALREADY ON COMPUTER ANTWAY.
ANYWAY,HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I was very dissapointed , I could of use that money, Did oyu take a cut i your pay?
February 11th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I'LL BE EVER SO GLAD WHEN HIS TERM IS UP !! YES, I VOTED FOR HIM !! SO VERY SORRY !! BIG MISTAKE, WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN !!!
February 21st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
If the government wants to see more homelessness keep cutting on the poor and you will get that and more. If your poor with a car you've been cut some more, If your poor you will get cut by paying more for gas and electric,food etc, So visit your local food banks hit them all up every week, contact local and community resource centers for most of your needs, and don't forget the churches any church will do if you don't have one; and there are housing and rental resource programs in every state and county. Have fun hunting for help, it really helps.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
well, i borrowed from bank, and it costs 22.50 a month interest. so even if i get rent rebate, it will be just about enough to replace interest paid over the year!!!!
February 24th, 2009 at 9:33 am
That is very sad that we trusted you when you said that we would receive cost of living in 2008. You lied. Thank I God I did Not vote for your sorry austrian, Punk Ass. You are nothing but a lame punk Ass Busta!
February 25th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
i think that the gover sould not have cutt the retal rebate casue does help the diasable blind and elderly with cating up on there bill that need to be pay. and i am one of them it actually be on ssi you live form one pay day to the next. that just the little help that we need once a year
February 26th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Lets see! hmmmmm…. Lets “Terminate the @%&#*" <- beeped that out
“Total Recall his a$$!!!!! We the people of California have that right, we have done it be4, we can do it again….. ppl on SSI, well some of us are on SSI for a real reason, although in my neighborhood 9 out of 10 ppl are on it because they are strung out on some substance (true story) and I watch them spend their SSI checks in 1 week (like my neighbor) who is out of money due to shooting it in a vein… myself, just lost my 2nd breast to invasive breast cancer and with my numerous other medical conditions can not work, and mind you I do not do drugs or drink, ok, maybe 1 beer a year 
That rebate was so very much needed to myself and so many other poor souls out there, well at least Obama heard us, $250.00 may not be $350.00, but I damn sure can use it 
tanx BO ma man….
March 1st, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Well, how about this scenario: Now that I can't get my car fixed (the rebate would have been exactly the right amount), every time I drive it, which isn't all that much really, I'll be putting my life and the lives of all other LA drivers who might be out on the road with me, in jeopardy. I almost caused a collision just today when it conked out on Highland. Thanks Gov. S. How much does it cost to keep your “HUMMER" (it's “BUMMER" really) on the road?? Sherry, the writer directly above me, can you give more info on the Obama $250?? That would be great. Jennifer
wonderwoman323333@yahoo.com
Thanks
March 8th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Sorry Jen, been away…. The $250.00 to disabled, is part of Obama's stimulus package. All California disabled will receive a one time payment of $250.00 by the end of May, 2009… go to http://www.ssa.gov for more info…
March 8th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
It's still disgusting, beyond words, that that stuck up, hateful fool is walking over the poor in favor of himself and his rich cronies. He owns 8 Hummers as some kind of “status" symbol but begrudges the retired, disabled a bit of relief. That he was ellected, especially after he was so widely despised shows that even in CA humans are politically ignorant. How can people believe the roles he's played in movies are NOT REAL. The lower intelligent people voted for the Terminator after the robot became a good robot. But he's a BAD robot with no feelings.
March 9th, 2009 at 9:19 am
this State needs a new Governer who really cares about the people in CA. I wanted to say a whole lot about this Mr. Schwarzenegger but hes not worth the time . he is not concern about the senior nor about the disabled . No renter's rebate really affects many on fixed incomes . I guess when you work for your self and not the people you can call all the shots. About him reading letters for help he's the last person to bother I was very active with the gorcery Strike althougt i was not a employee I personaly typed a letter and but stamps on envelopes with the long beach address. Asking for help since they recived no unemployment checks or assistance many lost their homes and apantment many had children with no medical and guess what after hundereds of letters were mailed i waited 3 weeks . Since there was no reply from his office i called to see why he or his employees did not reply to the mail answer was its been forward to his main office ya right the main trash can Not even a public apperance on helping out Ca tax payers. Personaly see more of the new President then our so called governor of this great state .
March 14th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I HAVE A LETTER FROM THE AUSTRIAN ASS THAT SAYS THAT I WILL GET THE RENTERS REBATE,"WHEN"CA GETS THEIR BAIL-OUT.ITS ONLY HELPS HIM & MARIA,HE IS LYING JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE @##$#%&^&^#@,JAROY
March 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I think its sad that California is in debt. I personally want that giovernor removed because I didnt vote for him and he is a republic. Im a proud democratic and he does live under povery conditions.
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
It seems as though all of these rallies to save the renter's rebate have simply been ignored. I just keep seeing the governor laughing and laughing on the news. I think that was probably his unguarded response to the rallies, too. He was probably sitting back and smoking one of his $300.00 something cigars as he chuckled over it all. What else are the disabled and seniors supposed to think about all of this. These people, obviously, have no voice in California at all. I thought that Chang said he was going to help restore the rebates. Was it all just cheap talk? I guess they want everyone to just shut up about it until everyone forgets. I think that more news headlines need to be made concerning this. The disabled and seniors have been wronged in California.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Schwarzenegger cut the renters rebate last year as well as this year, now he has reduced SSI checks approximately $36 for each recipient. Even though Ohâbama will be sending off SSI stimulus checks of $250 across the country, Schwarzeneggerâs SSI reduction only backwashes the stimulus for Californians. Lets do some math, 7 months of reduction = $252, minus the $250 stimulus = -$2.00. So in reality, we SSI recipients will lose $2.00 this year. Itâs all a cover-up, conspiracy, left hand / right hand. Make the people think the government is helping and put a smile on their face, then pull the rug (Schwarzenegger) right out from under us. Talk about checks and balances, Iâve done mine, how about the government doing theirs.
Hereâs something to think about>We might have received a yearly cost of living increase with our SS income check ($36 in my case, Oh look, it just so happens to the same amount that Schwarzenegger is reducing from OUR SSI checks), but if you receive SS ($677) and SSI ($148) as I do (Total of $825 a month to live off of), they reduce cost of living increase from your SSI check. So, you donât receive the cost of living increase in reality. I will not see the cost of living increase helping me out until there is zero SSI that they can take out (for me, that will be another 4.1 years from now).
Yes there is a deficit; one way to reduce government cost is shut the lights off during the day in offices, classes, and other government ran buildings that have windows, you can work in natural light. The electric bills alone could help reduce some of the deficit. Now that I came up with the idea, send me 1% of the savings.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Governor of California HAS TO PAY AS MANDATED BY LEGISLATURE. These RIPOFFS HAVE TO STOP!! HOW ABOUT A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT? HOW ABOUT IMPEACH SUCH GOVERNOR AND MOVE ON ??
June 9th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
It is going to get much worse. Antoher $30.00 SSI cut is on it's way today and then net October again more cuts! You ain't seen nothing yet. Jun. 2009.
July 20th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
i am really p!$$*D of in april i get a letter telling me my ssi check for june will be cut 30 dollars because of the budget i was upset but they really know how to kick you when your down in july they cut my check with out notice 25 more dollars so that is 55 dollars in two months now i am p!$$ed we really need help!!!
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Start a recall election of the Governors seat, vote out the every sorry lib, repub. both partys don't give a rats about the elderly, poor, disable.
Tell me how can anyone live in california esp. disabled. SSI, elderly. when your Rent is $700.oo per month, utilities $178.00, not counting all the other bills copays medicines etc. I'd like to see these legistlators go out and live on this 1 year.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Governor of California its time to have a recall election, then vote out the incumbants, cutting off funds for elderly, disabled , poor to balance the bugdet is a sham, if the citizens don't stand up against the fools you and your parents may be next on the ass hole list of cuts.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
GETTTTT!!!!!! HIM OUT ASAP HE HAS TRULY FUCKED OUR STATE,BUT WHAT DO HE CARE HE'S AN ACTOR TYRIN TO BE A GOVERNOR AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT U JUST CAN'T ACT NO MATTER WHO U MARRY SHE PROBRALY COULD DO A BETTER JOB THAN HE IS MUST HAVE BIGGG BALLS TO EVEN DEAL WITH THE SHIT THAT HE DO,HOW CAN U COME FROM SUCH A DYNAMIC FAMILY THAT HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR US TO MARRY A PERSON THAT HAS SINGLE HANDLY DESTORYED R STATE ALONG WITH BUSH ONE DOWN AND ONE TO GO THIER WIVES MUST HOLD THEIR HEADS IN SHAME I KNOW I WOULD BUT AS THEY SAY THE RICH STAY'S RICHER WHILE THEY TAKE A REAL BIGGGG!!!!!!!!!SHIT ON EVERYBODY ELSE…..GET HIM OUT
August 26th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I just happened to come across this article, first time reading about this outrageous, ridiculous renter's cut!!! I'm disabled and have a 6 yr. son without child support. My rent is $990.00 a month, I am BARELY making it, little did I know what I was getting into with renting an apartment, (a whole other story I was researching when coming across this).
I lost my house in Jan. 09 to the illegal sale by my previous lender.
Funny thing is when I learned I needed to make payment arrangements with my lender, I was watching the news, Arnold Schwarzenegger was talking about how to prevent foreclosure, etc. He had representatives at his side from 10 of the largest lenders in the US, and yes MINE was there!
He stated that if ‘we' the ‘borrowers' would call our lender right when we realize we can't make a payment, return our lenders calls, open all mail from them immediatly and simply let our lender know we need to make payment arrangements that he has reps right there with him who promise to work with ‘us' the ‘borrowers'.
He asked several times to NOT ignore the fact we can't make our payments, do NOT ignore the lenders, they are here to help! YA RIGHT! That was BS. It was the other way around, SO many homeowners lost their home because the ‘LENDERS' INGORED us and made EMPTY PROMISES!
My son (6 yrs. old) and I watched one of Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, it was the first time my son had seen him. I explained the best way I could who he was. My son got really excited and wanted me to write him a letter in his words about moving away from the only home he knew.
I grabbed paper and pen. My son starts by asking why the bad people took his and his mommies home away and made us leave. He said he really misses his room and his pool and his friends and his house and he wants to go back, he asks him to please help get our house back from the bad guys. I had to hold my tears in. It broke my heart.
He has a little more to say and them mailing it off.
Too many inocent people, familes have had their lives turned upside done.
Where's the stability in stealing homes especially with eldery and children, my son felt security in his home like all the other kids caught in this awful mess. What's to happen to the children of our future loosing their security so young??
This rental thing sucks, I can't even believe anyone would even think of making this worse for the poor, etc.
Ohm and THANK YOU to the SAN FRANCISCO Assemblyman Tom Ammiano! Your thinking about the welfare of the people!
Thank you again!! Maybe you should run for Governor, or President…
Michelle
August 29th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I AM FLOORED BY THIS. i THINK CALIFORNIAS WERE STUPID FOR PUTTING A DAMN ACTOR AS OUR GOVERNOR. HE AINT NOTHING i WILL NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING MOVIES HE DOES OR HAS DONE. THIS STATE IS ALL ABOUT GRRED AND THE POLITICIANS HERE DO NOT CARE. WHAT KEEPS PEOLPLE HERE IS THAT THEY ARE POWERED BY GREED. MOVE TO RENO THE PRICES ARE CHEAP AND NEVADA HAS NO STATE TAXES AND FLORIDA IS A VERY TROPICAL PLACE AND THERE REALESTATE IS MUCH CHEAPER. IF PEOPLE STOP HOLDING ON TO CALIFORNIA LIKE THIS IS ONLY GOOD STATE TO LIVE IN MAYBE THESE POLITICIANS MAY WORK FOR THE PEOPLE. IT THE WORKING CLASS THAT KEEPS THE BUSINESSES GOING. I DIDN'T WANT TO BECOME DISABLED BUT I DID AND THAT HAPPES PEOPLE DON'T WAKE UP AND DECIDED TO STRUGGLE AND BE POOR. WHAT THE HELL SO PEOPLE DO NOT SIT HERE AND SAY WE DON'T MATTER WHEN IY IS OUR FUCKINGK WORK AND SWEAT THAT WORK YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS AND FILL UP YOUR REALESTATE ALL YOU PEOPLE ARE GREEDY AND YOUR HOUSES DESERVE TO BURN DOWN IF YOU AGREE THAT THE POOR AREN'T NOTHING. I AM TELLING YOU THIS STATE IS GOING TO HELL IN HIGH WATER. DO YOU KNOW THAT PEOPLE CALL THIS THE GOLDEN CALF STATE BECAUSE ALL THE IIOL WORSHIP HERE ESPECIALLY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOU GOTTA KEEP YOUR PHONE AND YOUR CAR UPDATED ITS NOT ENOUGH TO BE A DECENT HUMAN BEING AND KNOW YOUR STRUGGLING AND YOU ARE NOT ROBBING PEOPLE WHAT THE HELL, LEAVE THIS STATE STOP BEING SO CLOSED MINDED THIS STATE HAS NOTHING TO OFFER ANYBODY SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL LEAVE CUZ OBVIOUSLY THE GOVERNOR DOESN'T CARE BECAUSE HIS LOBSTER AND STEAK IS ALL GOOD.
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:32 am
why cant you tax the porn industry.