California Billionaire Tax: Healthcare workers’ union endorses Proposition 40

### California Healthcare Workers Union Endorses Proposition 40 Billionaire Tax

The National Union of Healthcare Workers has endorsed California’s Proposition 40, adding the nearly 20,000-member labor organization to a growing coalition backing the proposed California Billionaire Tax.

The measure has attracted support from more than 200 organizations and elected officials as advocates seek additional state revenue to address the effects of federal health care funding reductions.

Supporters say Proposition 40 could provide financial assistance to hospitals, community clinics and other health care providers facing mounting budget challenges, staffing shortages and potential reductions in services.

Nicholas Cordero, an NUHW vice president at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, said California hospitals are already struggling with staffing levels and long patient wait times. He argued that wealthy Californians should contribute more toward maintaining access to medical care throughout the state.

Union leaders have criticized federal health care policies implemented under President Donald Trump, arguing that funding reductions included in the legislation they refer to as the “Big, Ugly Bill” could place additional pressure on California’s health care system.

According to figures cited in the union’s announcement, federal funding cuts could result in as many as 3.4 million Californians losing health coverage, while millions of others could face significantly higher insurance premiums.

Advocates also warn that reduced federal support could contribute to clinic closures, employee layoffs and cuts to essential medical services.

Proposition 40 would impose a tax on individuals whose net worth exceeds $1 billion in California. Supporters estimate that billionaires collectively hold roughly $2 trillion in wealth within the state.

Backers estimate the proposal could raise approximately $100 billion, which they say could help replace health care funding lost through federal reductions.

Under the proposal promoted by supporters, the additional revenue would help preserve medical services for seniors, veterans and families. Supporters also say funds could help prevent layoffs affecting public school teachers and maintain food assistance programs.

Labor organizations have highlighted financial difficulties already affecting California’s health care workforce.

According to Proposition 40 supporters, more than 400 hospitals across California have laid off over 3,400 health care workers. They further estimate that federal funding reductions could eventually put as many as 145,000 health care jobs at risk.

Advocates have also warned that approximately 83 hospitals and clinics could face closure risks if replacement funding is not secured.

The NUHW’s position extends beyond supporting Proposition 40. Its members also voted to oppose Propositions 41 and 42, which Proposition 40 supporters describe as measures that could undermine or reverse the proposed billionaire tax.

Proposition 40 qualified for the California ballot after organizers submitted more than 1.6 million signatures.

The measure has attracted backing from a wide-ranging coalition that includes the California Democratic Party, the California Nurses Association, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna.

Supporters are presenting the initiative as a potential source of funding for health care and other public services at a time when California providers are confronting financial and workforce pressures.

Opponents and supporters of the related ballot measures are expected to continue debating the proposal’s potential effects on taxpayers, public services and the state economy.

The NUHW endorsement adds another major labor organization to the campaign surrounding Proposition 40 and puts organized health care workers among the groups advocating for additional state-level funding.