Mark Cuban Warns California 5% Wealth Tax Could Upend Startups as Ro Khanna Backs Measure
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 17
Mark Cuban Warns California 5% Wealth Tax Could Upend Startups as Ro Khanna Backs Measure
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 17
Summary
Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires, drawing fresh opposition from Mark Cuban and other founders who say it could disrupt startup financing and the state’s tech ecosystem.
Ro Khanna said Saturday the measure was gaining traction, arguing California voters want Democrats to side with workers over billionaires; he said it has support from Bernie Sanders and California labor groups.
The fight has split prominent Democrats: the California Democratic Party backs the proposal, while Governor Gavin Newsom opposes Proposition 40 even as he supports a national wealth tax.
The clash is turning the tax into a closely watched and costly political test ahead of November’s midterms, with economic inequality expected to be a central campaign issue.