With schools struggling for funds and healthcare costs on the rise, Californians are finally faced with a new proposition that could answer their financial concerns. Last October, the California Billionaire Tax Act was proposed for the November 2026 ballot to address the lackluster funding for social programs. The proposition, which calls for a one-time 5% tax on residents with a net worth over one billion dollars, is estimated to raise a total of $100 billion if passed by collecting $50 million from each of the roughly 200 billionaires identified as residents of California. The proposition requires 874,641 valid signatures by late June, followed by a majority vote among Californians for it to be passed. Despite the significant amount of money it would raise for education and healthcare, there are concerns about the feasibility of the proposition and the consequences that would come with passing it. Some of the 200 aforementioned billionaires have already relocated or initiated plans to leave California, citing the proposition as a major reason why; others have not left, but are threatening to do so if the tax is passed. If these people do relocate, there will be a drastic decrease in California’s income tax, making the financial situation worse instead of better. Freshman student Miles Falconi from Claremont High School was asked for his take on the proposition. 

“I think it’s really intriguing, and I hope they are able to pass it, especially considering how the funding is going to healthcare and education. I think this would be a really great thing,” Falconi said. “I think considering the power that some of these people have, it almost seems too good to be true, but you never know.” 

Overall more funding would make healthcare and education better and more accessible. If the proposition is successful, Claremont High can hopefully enhance academic achievement, expand programs, and improve facilities for their students.