Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) over his opposition to California’s proposed billionaire tax, accusing the governor of backing a measure that could block the tax from taking effect.
Khanna Challenges Newsom Over California Billionaire Tax
On Saturday, Khanna criticized Newsom in a post on X, accusing him of “shilling for Prop 42, a billionaire-backed initiative, banning billionaires from EVER facing a tax.”
“Come on, man,” Khanna wrote, adding that he stood with unions in supporting a billionaire tax “so poor kids in California do not lose healthcare.”
In a video shared by Khanna, a Fox News reporter asked Newsom about the criticism. The governor responded that “the firefighters oppose it, the teachers oppose it, Planned Parenthood opposes it” and that the “vast majority of labor opposes it.”
Newsom called the proposal “a badly written initiative,” arguing that it focused on one part of California’s budget and would generate “one-time money.” He also said, “People have left the state.”
However, Newsom acknowledged the need for national tax reforms, saying the country needs “a new tax bracket for the very wealthy” and must address carried interest and inheritance taxes.
Khanna Challenges Democratic Establishment
In a separate post, Khanna said he would not remain silent about a failed status quo in the name of party unity.
“Not going to betray voters done with the donor class,” he wrote, listing his priorities as taxing billionaires, Medicare for All, free child care, free college and trade schools, and no U.S. aid to Israel.
Khanna concluded by declaring, “I am a New Deal Democrat, not a Chuck Schumer Democrat,” drawing a distinction between his progressive agenda and the approach associated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Democrats Push Wealth Tax on Billionaires
On Thursday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) renewed her call for a wealth tax to fund child care, free community college and Medicare expansion.
Last month, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backed California’s proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, saying it could preserve health care coverage for 3 million working-class residents.
In August, billionaire Mark Cuban warned Khanna that the tax could drive startups out of California, saying he would require companies to relocate before investing in them.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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