Taxes

A person leans down as they place their ballot into a white voting drop box on the side of a street.

Commentary

California voters will face dueling ballot propositions this fall. Confusion is likely

Many of today's ballot measures are aimed at canceling or retaliating for other ballot measures, like when politicians tried but failed to kill Prop. 13 years ago.

By

Dan Walters

• April 10, 2026

Politics

California billionaire tax is a no-brainer for progressive Democrats, right? Wrong.

The health care union behind the tax measure argues its plan is the only viable fix for federal funding cuts to Medi-Cal. But even some of the most liberal lawmakers and labor unions aren’t convinced yet.

By

Maya C. Miller

• April 9, 2026

Traffic on Highway 50 in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

As tax deadlines loom, Californians should note how little they get for paying high taxes

Several comparisons show Californians don't get enough return on investment — in government services — to justify such high taxes and fees.

By

Dan Walters

• April 9, 2026

A printed document titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27” is clipped together, showing a black-and-white image of the California State Capitol with the state flag flying in front.

Commentary

California should halt its boom-and-bust budgeting and boost reserves instead

A new governor would find their hands tied if the state doesn’t shrink its budget deficits and smooth out its tax revenue rollercoaster ride.

By Peter Weber and Chris Thornberg • April 9, 2026

Politics

California governor’s race: See the candidates’ incomes and tax payments

Here’s a snapshot of the top candidates for governor’s incomes and taxes. Billionaire Tom Steyer dwarfs them all.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 28, 2026

A person wearing a black business suit stands on top of a stage, talking in front of an audience of people, while pointing back to a large spacecraft with the words “Blood Moon” on it.

Commentary

Government money made Silicon Valley’s tech titans rich. A billionaire tax won’t hurt them

The public helped create tech fortunes via government grants, defense contracts and corporate-friendly regulation. Some payback is in order.

By Duane Roberts • March 24, 2026

A low, ground-level view looks along a damaged stretch of roadway where crews in safety gear work to repair the surface. A compact construction vehicle and scattered equipment line the site, while traffic cones and barriers mark the work zone against a backdrop of coastal mountains and light haze.

Commentary

The $500 Million Lesson: California needs a new plan to protect Highway 1

Mudslides closed California's iconic coastal route in recent years, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business, tourism and taxes.

By Stafford Nichols • March 18, 2026

A sign from the Unrig California campaign lists corporate profit figures, executive pay and median worker pay alongside a QR code inviting people to join the campaign, with an illustration of a shipping box in the background.

Dan Walters

Billionaires bolt from blue states amid tax fears, mirroring rebellion in ‘Atlas Shrugged’ novel

In Ayn Rand's novel, society suffered after business leaders and other achievers left. Will that really occur if a tax chases away the rich?

By

Dan Walters

• March 17, 2026

A white and blue train zooms by a street next two a multi-story apartment building in beige and cream tones.

Commentary

California should resurrect an old strategy to jumpstart new housing production

Bringing back — but narrowly tailoring — tax-increment financing could ensure housing gets built at the right price, in the right places.

By William Fulton and Bill Higgins • March 10, 2026

A large group of people hold signs and march outside a building during a protest. A person wearing a Monopoly man mask, and holding a sign with a visual of a money bill and the face of a politician on it, stands out among the crowd.

Commentary

California businesses and left-leaning groups clash on the ballot and in court

This year's contests of businesses versus liberal groups include corporate and wealth tax proposals and requirements for greenhouse gas emission reports.

By

Dan Walters

• March 4, 2026