Key facts
- Backers of a wealth tax successfully lobbied California Democrats to support their proposal.
- SEIU-UHW was a key proponent, arguing the tax aligns with Democratic base demands for economic populism.
- Opponents included Planned Parenthood, the California Teachers Association, and the California State Building and Construction Trades Council.
- Internal polling showed Democratic voters broadly supported taxing the wealthy.
- The vote highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, with labor unions on opposing sides.
California Democrats found themselves at a battleground over a proposed wealth tax, with proponents, including SEIU-UHW, ultimately securing support from the party's executive board. The campaign involved extensive lobbying efforts, including mail, gift baskets, emails, and text messages, targeting party delegates and board members. Supporters argued that the tax resonated with the Democratic base's desire for economic populism and that opposing it would make the party appear out of touch. Internal polling indicated broad support among Democratic voters for taxing the wealthy. Representatives from supportive labor groups warned that no alternative could be devised in time to offset federal healthcare funding cuts before hospitals face closure. However, opposition came from influential groups such as Planned Parenthood, the California Teachers Association, and the California State Building and Construction Trades Council, whose leaders made closing arguments against the measure. The vote highlighted a division within the labor movement and the broader Democratic Party, with one board member noting the argument that Democrats should not appear unwilling to enact significant policies.