The American Solidarity Party’s economic platform is distributism: the idea that wealth ought to be owned not by a few wealthy people (capitalism) nor by the government (socialism) but rather YOU the people!  It’s a powerful idea that nobody talks about because Democrats and Republicans alike generally serve corporate interests.  “Wealth is like manure; it works best when it is spread, but stinks when it is in one big pile.”

Only a tiny fraction of Californians (about 200) would be targeted by the 2026 California Billionaire Tax Act. Most ordinary Californians are not wealthy enough to qualify for this measure. It is a one-time tax of up to 5% on extreme wealth, meaning it does not pry on regular workers’ wages. Its focus is on extreme accumulated net worth. The measure would likely generate billions of dollars, leading to actual and not just theoretical financial aid. Approximately 90% of the funds would be allocated to healthcare, with the remainder directed toward public K-14 education and state food assistance programs. Those who are benefiting the most from California’s economy should help stabilize the economy when it is suffering from severe strain. Some may be worried about billionaires’ desire to leave if the measure passes. However, it is a mistake to be willingly held hostage by billionaires. Solidarity means that everyone contributes to the social structure and reaps its benefits. When billionaires are favored over the rest of us, you begin to lose solidarity. Billionaire wealth is also not generated within a vacuum. It was accumulated inside a state built on public foundations. Asking for a one-time contribution is reciprocity, and not an unfair punishment.

Someday, when labor (wages) and capital (stored up wages) are treated equally, we won’t need a tax like this.  That day has not yet come.