San Diego City Wire

Senator Brian Jones from Santee has formally requested Governor Gavin Newsom to veto Senate Bill 113. This bill aims to divert $331 million, which a court ordered to be paid to California homeowners, into a fund for renters' assistance.

In his letter dated September 27, 2019, Senator Jones described SB 113 as a "budget trailer" bill that continues efforts by the state to withhold funds owed from the National Mortgage Settlement. He highlighted that the previous administration under Governor Brown attempted to keep this money through a "Special Deposit Fund," which was eventually deemed unlawful by the Third District Court of Appeal.

Jones criticized current Democrat legislators for trying again to redirect these funds away from homeowners. He expressed concern about using the settlement money for what he called a "risky investment scheme" aimed at renter assistance.

"As a legislator and a taxpayer, I object to filling the state’s coffers with money duly owed to aggrieved homeowners," wrote Jones. He also noted his objection as a renter, stating that taking funds from homeowners is not justified even if it is intended for helping renters.

Jones concluded his letter urging Governor Newsom's consideration in vetoing Senate Bill 113.