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May 3, 2006

Press Release: 53 Organizations Request Senate Action on Eminent Domain Abuse; Lack of Senate Action Leaves Homes, Businesses, Churches Vulnerable

The national debate on eminent domain is heating up as the US Senate considers eminent domain reform legislation. While NY Mayor Bloomberg beats the drum for the status quo, groups across the political spectrum call for reform.

This press release is from a conservative coalition led by the Property Rights Alliance:

WASHINGTON, May 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, a letter signed by fifty-three national and state organizations from across the country was delivered to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) requesting that the Senate advance legislation to limit the ability for states and localities to abuse eminent domain. The letter can be viewed at http://www.propertyrightsalliance.org .

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 4128, the "Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005" in early November by a vote of 376-38, but the measure has mired in the Senate Judiciary Committee without a scheduled vote. The legislation seeks to curb eminent domain abuse by withholding all federal economic development funds for two years from states and localities that use this right for private commercial development. The House passed the measure in response to the Kelo v. City of New London, CT court case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court last summer.

And the American public continues to fervently oppose this type of government takings. One national survey after another demonstrates a minimum of eighty-five percent of public support in reforming eminent domain abuse to protect homes, businesses and churches from government's grasp.

"Americans remain vulnerable to government's ability to snap up a family's home or church today and turn it into a mansion tomorrow," said Scott A. LaGanga, executive director of PRA. "As indicated by the organizations on this letter and countless public opinion polls, Senate action is vital to protect the future of private property in the United States."

As stated in the letter, "The freedoms enshrined by the Framers of the Constitution over two hundred years ago must be once again upheld and protected by Congress today. The passage of this type of legislation is an essential milestone in reaffirming the rights of American property owners."

Posted by lumi at May 3, 2006 6:45 AM