Beat the Rich
Bas wants county to support proposed Billionaires Tax; County acknowledges days of floating sales tax measures may be gone; Oakland needs to hire a net +30 officers for three years just to reach 700.
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Vol. VI, No. 1,221
—Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas said she supports the proposed California “Billionaires Tax,” arguing the state may need new sources of revenue to stabilize the region’s public health systems. She hopes the rest of the Board of Supervisors agree.
“With the threats facing Alameda Health System, we have to do everything possible to raise revenue,” Bas said Monday during a meeting of the county’s Personnel, Administration and Legislation Committee.
The request for support of the proposed measure still in the signature-gathering phase, will head to the full board for approval sometime in the future.
The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act would impose a one-time five percent tax on the net worth of California residents with more than $1 billion in assets.
Backers estimate the measure could generate roughly $100 billion statewide, with about 90 percent of the revenue dedicated to health care programs and the remainder directed toward education and food assistance.
Supporters say the tax is intended to offset looming cuts to federal health programs and stabilize safety-net systems across the state. The measure is being advanced by labor and health-care advocates and could appear on the statewide ballot if organizers gather the required signatures.
“It will be a hard fight, even though it’s polling well with everyday voters,” Bas said.
The debate comes as Alameda Health System—the county’s public safety-net provider—warns of significant fiscal challenges ahead.
The system projects budget deficits reaching $100 million beginning in early 2027, when the full impact of H.R. 1 Republican budget package is expected to take effect.
County officials and health leaders say the anticipated reductions in federal health funding could strain public hospitals and clinics that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients, increasing pressure on the county safety net to find new funding sources.
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—More inside:
COUNTY NEWS: Alameda County supervisors warn reliance on sales taxes may be reaching its limits.
CITY NEWS: Oakland needs to add 30 more new police officers than it loses in a given year just to come close to 700 officers.
Alameda City Council may take a look at following county’s lead with ICE-free zones.
ELECTION 2026: Swalwell’s hometown Dem club asked him if he’s corporate PAC-free.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Swalwell IE is backed EMS industry. Why it may link to Alameda County’s next ambulance contract.
Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on March 16:
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