The 5% Defection: How California Wealth Tax is Fueling a Billionaire Exodus

His net worth has soared by $210 billion, but he's already packed his bags. Larry Page, cofounder of Google, has reportedly spent over $170 million on two homes in Miami. This move comes as California debates a aggressive new wealth tax that targets the state's ultra-rich residents.

The Controversy Surrounding California Wealth Tax Plans

According to the Wall Street Journal, the proposed initiative would impose a one-time 5 percent tax on the net worth of approximately 250 billionaires. The plan requires 875,000 signatures to reach the ballot. While high-profile figures like Elon Musk (worth $716 billion) have already bolted for Texas, others call the move "catastrophic" for the local economy.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan warned that taxing net worth puts the "innovation economy" at risk. He suggests that billionaires might simply leave rather than pay, rendering the tax counterproductive. However, Representative Ro Khanna argues that a modest tax is essential to address staggering inequality and fund vital public services like healthcare.

Jensen Huang’s Counter-Perspective

Not every titan is looking for the exit. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, with a net worth of $155 billion, recently stated he hasn't even thought about the wealth tax. Despite a potential $8 billion tax bill, Huang remains committed to the Bay Area. "We work in Silicon Valley because that’s where the talent pool is," he said, focusing on building the future rather than tax avoidance.