One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
CA Department of Justice launches task force to target affordability crisis
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the creation of the Affordability Response Team, which will focus on investigating unlawful practices that are making life unaffordable for Californians.
(
Adam Beam
/
AP
)
Topline:
The California Department of Justice says it plans to go after people and businesses illegally making life more expensive for residents. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday that the state has launched an Affordability Response Team to investigate potential offenders.
Who is affected? The affordability crisis affects everyone, officials stated, but especially low-income households, communities of color and people with disabilities.
What did the Attorney General say? Bonta said this is an “all hands on deck” moment. “We're thinking about your bills,” Bonta added. “We're thinking about your budgets. We're thinking about your ability to afford living in this state and in this country.”
What will the team be focused on? The group is expected to target eight main focus areas, including household essentials, like groceries, gas and utilities, housing, healthcare, wages and scams. Another focus area includes the “high cost of enjoying life.” The team, for example, will go after hidden fees and business practices that hike up prices for entertainment and travel.
How can I get involved? If you have a complaint about a business who is not complying with consumer protection or other laws, you’re encouraged to submit a report here.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
