The following is cross-posted at www.propertyrightsalliance.org

ATR and PRA have joined a broad coalition of signatories to a statement sent today to the Texas State Legislature urging legislators to follow three key recommendations in the prevention of eminent domain abuse. The thirteen signatories first advised the Texas House of Representatives to accurately address the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London (2005) by supporting House Joint Resolution 14. The second recommendation was for the Texas House of Representatives to amend Senate Bill 18 so that it includes definitive language and addresses the central issue of Kelo. The coalition also expressed their strong opposition towards Senate Joint Resolution 42, a constitutional amendment that seeks to correct eminent domain abuse, but would actually worsen the situation.

The statement concludes:
 
"We believe that these measures are crucial if Texas is to once and for all solve its Kelo problem. Eminent domain abuse is a problem that affects all Texans, but it disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals, minorities, and small business owners. No one is asking for anything other than that the constitutional right to be secure in our homes and businesses be upheld. The citizens of this great state deserve nothing less."

Click here to view pdf version of the coalition letter