Poll Shows California Voters Largely Split on Billionaire Tax Initiative

A new poll shows California voters are closely divided over Proposition 40, a ballot initiative that would impose a one-time tax on billionaires. The measure would levy a five-percent tax on the assets of billionaires who lived in California as of January 1, with revenue intended to help offset federal healthcare funding cuts. According to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, 48 percent of voters support Proposition 40, while 41 percent oppose it. Another 11 percent remain undecided. Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS poll, says the measure failing to reach at least 50 percent support at this stage of the election could be a warning sign for supporters. DiCamillo notes that California voters who remain undecided on ballot measures have historically tended to vote against them when they cast their final ballots. Proposition 40 is expected to face a competitive campaign as supporters and opponents work to persuade voters before Election Day.