California is thinking about a new tax for very rich people. This idea is supported by healthcare workers and some politicians. They want to protect healthcare services. The plan is to tax people with over $1 billion in California. They need to collect signatures to put it on the ballot in November.
This tax is needed because of worries about the future of healthcare in California. Unions like SEIU-UHW are helping with the proposal. Their members see that many people need healthcare. They worry that less federal money will hurt these people. A healthcare worker named Karen Sanchez shared a story. One of her patients had trouble with paperwork for health coverage. She fears some people will not get the help they need.
If the tax gets enough signatures and voters agree, it will start from January 1st this year. This means people who were rich then and lived in California will pay. Senator Bernie Sanders supports this tax. He is encouraging people to sign the petition. Guitarist Tom Morello also attended a rally for the tax.
However, not everyone likes this idea. Some very rich people in California are unhappy. Some might move to places with lower taxes. This shows a problem between helping people and keeping rich businesses. The debate is about fairness and how to use money for everyone. The next few months will be important for this new tax plan.