California Candidates on Taxing Billionaires, High-Speed Rail, and EVs

Billionaire's Tax Stance

• ❌ Secretary Bera stated no to supporting a billionaire's tax, specifically referencing an initiative on the ballot.
• ❓ Mr. Hilton also answered no to the billionaire's tax question.
• 💡 Mr. Maym expressed a need to close loopholes billionaires use to avoid taxes, implying a form of increased contribution.
• ✅ Mr. Styer believes billionaires must pay their fair share, which was interpreted as a 'yes' to taxing them more.
• 👍 Superintendent Thurman answered yes to supporting a billionaire's tax.

High-Speed Rail Perspectives

• 🚀 Sarah expressed a commitment to completing high-speed rail, citing examples in Japan, Europe, and China, and emphasizing smart execution to avoid cost overruns.
• 💸 Mr. Hilton advocated to end the project, suggesting that California cannot afford to continue investing in it and that funds should be redirected to local infrastructure.
• 🤝 Mayor Maym suggested completing high-speed rail but with a new mindset and greater accountability.
• ⚖️ Mr. Styer supports high-speed public transportation but stressed that it cannot come at any price.
• ✅ Mr. Hey, Mr. Beerosa, and Ms. Ye all indicated they would complete the high-speed rail project.

Electric Vehicle Transition (2035 Phase-Out)

• ⚠️ Secretary Bera's response was nuanced, stating no if working families cannot afford the transition, emphasizing a stable transition period.
• 🚗 Mr. Hilton firmly answered no, expressing a desire for people to drive the cars they want and rejecting being "bossed around."
• 💰 Mayor Maym would continue the phase-out only if the technology is there and does not increase costs for the middle class.
• 👍 Superintendent Thurman answered yes to continuing Governor Newsom's fight to phase out gas-powered vehicles.
• ❌ Antonio responded with no to the phase-out.
• ✅ Ms. Ye answered yes to continuing the phase-out.