California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Monday the formation of an Affordability Response Team within the California Department of Justice.
This team will investigate unlawful practices that contribute to the high cost of living in California. The initiative, launched in Los Angeles, is the first of its kind in the nation.
The Affordability Response Team will focus on various sectors, including housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and childcare, among others. Bonta emphasized that the team will draw expertise from multiple divisions within the Department of Justice to tackle unlawful conduct by corporations, landlords, and scammers that drive up costs for consumers.
“For many people in our state, the cost of a week off work, a set of new tires, or a trip to the grocery store—let alone a mortgage or a visit to the emergency room—are not within reach,” Bonta said. “This team will create a pipeline to tackle affordability from all angles.”
The Attorney General’s Office highlighted that the affordability crisis disproportionately affects low-income households, communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, 23% of young adults in California live in poverty, and seven in 10 residents report that healthcare costs strain their finances.
The Affordability Response Team will also address issues like hidden fees and corporate practices that increase discretionary costs such as entertainment and technology. Recent actions by the department include a settlement involving unlawful meat price coordination and an ongoing antitrust case against Amazon.
Californians are encouraged to report suspected misconduct through the Department of Justice’s website. The team aims to ensure fair prices and improve living conditions for residents struggling with the state’s affordability challenges.
Recent Comments