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The Reporter Nicholas Lemann on California’s Battle to Pass a Billionaire Tax

· 18 min

Episode The Reporter Nicholas Lemann on California’s Battle to Pass a Billionaire Tax

0:00 18:29

In California, progressives have crafted a ballot initiative that calls for a wealth tax—a one-time, five-per-cent tax on wealth above a billion dollars, earmarked to shore up the state’s health-care system after drastic federal cuts. Wealth inequality is a vast concern, especially among Democrats, and taxes on substantial wealth are broadly popular. Yet, as the New Yorker staff writer Nicholas Lemann reports in “The Battle to Pass a Billionaire Tax,” many prominent Democratic politicians, including Elizabeth Warren, have declined to support it publicly. Lemann talks with David Remnick about why this bellwether progressive issue faces such an uphill battle.

Further reading and listening:

• “On Not Being a Homeowner,” by Anna Holmes • “Can California Actually Make Billionaires Pay?,” an episode of The Political Scene • “How a Trump-Endorsed Republican Could Become California’s Next Governor,” an episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour

New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.

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