In recent years, I have watched friends and neighbors struggle as the cost of living continues to skyrocket in California. Their stories are heartfelt and their struggles very real. Many of them depend solely on their social security checks to pay their bills, and rent is by far the most burdensome of these bills. Every year, their rent increases, close to 8 percent for mobile home lots and more for single-family homes. The sad truth is, their income remains stagnant while their rent consumes more and more of their livelihood.

The heart of the matter is that single-family homes are now 8.3 times the average income, compared to three decades ago when it was just 3.5 times. This is an unsustainable trajectory that puts many Californians at risk of financial insecurity and homelessness. It affects the elderly, the young, and the hardworking individuals and families who form the backbone of our communities.

What if there was a way to ensure that rent increases were capped at a more manageable rate? For instance, limiting the yearly rent hike to just 1 percent, which is more in line with the increase provided by social security, could significantly ease the financial strain on vulnerable populations.

Rent control across the entire state of California is not only essential but fair. It would provide a safety net for many who are living paycheck to paycheck, often at the mercy of a volatile real estate market. It's time that each representative of every district in California takes a stand and advocates for the implementation of statewide rent control.

By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to secure more affordable living conditions for countless Californian residents. We must urge our representatives to consider the welfare of their constituents and act now to impose a maximum rent increase limit. Let's make sure that people's ability to live in dignity isn't compromised by unchecked rent hikes. Sign this petition and let our collective voices be heard.