Californians Consider Billionaire Tax to Offset Food Benefit Cuts

California Residents Face Potential Loss of Food Benefits Amid Proposed Billionaire Tax

A recent change to federal food assistance programs is expected to impact thousands of Californians, with estimates suggesting that nearly 665,000 recipients in the state will lose benefits. The reduction, which is part of a broader effort to offset funding cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The OBBBA, passed in June, reduced SNAP benefits by over $186 billion over the next decade. As a result, more than 3 million people nationwide and an additional 665,000 recipients in California are at risk of losing food assistance. The impact is already being felt, with 72,000 immigrants losing benefits in April.

To address the funding gap created by the OBBBA, California has proposed a billionaire tax, which aims to impose a one-time 5% tax on the state’s over 200 billionaires. The measure, which garnered more than 1.5 million signatures in April, is expected to be on the ballot for the November midterm election.

According to estimates, 10% of the funds raised through the tax will be used to make up for the reduction in food benefits. California has one of the largest populations receiving food assistance, with over 5.3 million people relying on the program.

The proposed tax measure is being pushed by advocates who argue that nutrition needs are steady, regardless of employment status. The La Ofrenda food bank in San Francisco’s Mission district has seen an increase in demand for its services, with new members lining up to receive fresh produce and other essential items.

Source: Al Jazeera