Many of them, sure—but realtors and landlords, however much we might disagree with most of them when it comes to renters’ rights, are entitled to representation too.

And denying a lawmaker who’s a landlord the responsibility of voting on issues lets them off the hook.

(1/4) https://twitter.com/ent_prof/status/1322167338582577153

Freed from the responsibility of voting on such an issue, where’s the pressure to change? Or what’s to keep a less-than-fully-honest lawmaker from saying, “Well, heck, I’d vote to strengthen renters’ rights if I could, but there’s this danged rule about recusing.” (2/4)

That’s why transparency is important. If it’s clear that a lawmaker is consistently voting on an issue despite known conflicts—and voting in such a way that consistently benefits them—then voters can let that lawmaker know how they feel. (3/4)

And again, information about which state legislators earn revenue from rental properties is publicly available.

There’ll be another fight for renters’ rights this next session.

Those who want meaningful reforms should start contacting their lawmakers today.

(4/4)