Money from Maryland’s legal settlements with the tobacco industry and opioid distributors is being used to address the problems caused by cigarettes and fentanyl.
Money from settlements with violators of the safe housing provisions of our consumer protection law is being used to provide legal counsel for tenants facing eviction.
I was the lead sponsor in the House of Delegates of the legislation requiring that these funds be used for these purposes. Senator Shelly Hettleman sponsored the housing bill in that body.
Last fall, Westminster Management reached a settlement regarding allegations that it had violated the consumer protection law.
“Tenants in Westminster properties suffered with mold, leaks, floods and infestations of rodents, roaches and bedbugs,” stated Attorney General Brian Frosh.
The principal investors in Westminster are the Kushner family.
Approximately, three thousand tenants are expected to be represented by lawyers in housing court because of the $2.45 million payment the State has received.
It is fitting that violators of our housing laws will be assisting tenants. whose lawyers will have the housing law applied to their circumstances.
I learned about setting aside funds from legal settlements in this manner during my first term in Annapolis.
Forty years later, it is gratifying that people are benefiting.
