Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)

California

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State Rundown 10/22: Despite Obstacles, Progressive Taxes Define 2026

• By ITEP Staff

As more states move to raise revenue and tax the rich, anti-tax lobbyists and lawmakers are hard at work to undo that progress. Despite pushback, important conversations around needed revenue continue.

HuffPost: Billionaires Have Tricks To Avoid Paying Their Fair Share Of Taxes. This Ballot Measure Would Change The Game.

October 21, 2026

It would be the first of its kind in the country — and set a new benchmark for other states.

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State Rundown 10/8: Ballot Debates and Gas Tax Promises Accelerate as Election Day Nears

• By ITEP Staff

As the Iran War continues to cause gas prices to rise across the country, lawmakers are stepping on the accelerator instead of pumping the brakes on costly and ineffective proposals to suspend the gas tax ahead of the November election.

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New State Taxes on the Wealthy Raise Revenue and Rebalance Tax Codes, Advancing Racial Justice

• By Brakeyshia Samms

Taxing the rich is proven fiscal policy – it raises revenue for vital public services and makes tax codes fairer. But a part of the debate that rarely gets enough attention: taxing the rich is also one of the most effective tools available for advancing racial equity.

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California’s Prop 40: Responses to Common Objections

• By Brian Galle, David Gamage, Darien Shankse

Proposition 40, California’s proposed billionaire tax, is a one-time 5 percent levy that addresses a significant one-time emergency, namely the cuts made to the healthcare system by the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

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State Earned Income Tax Credits Will Support Families and Workers in 2027

• By Neva Butkus

Nearly two-thirds of states (plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have an Earned Income Tax Credit. These credits boost low-paid workers’ incomes and offset some of the taxes they pay, helping working class families achieve greater economic security.

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State Child Tax Credits Will Boost Financial Security for Families and Children in 2027

• By Neva Butkus

Sixteen states provide Child Tax Credits to reduce poverty, boost economic security, and invest in children. State lawmakers have several options to maximize the impact of Child Tax Credits.

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2026 State Tax Ballot Measures to Watch

• By Aidan Davis

This fall, voters across the country will consider a host of ballot measures that could reshape the fairness and adequacy of their states’ tax systems. Here’s some of what we’re following.

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State-by-State Tax Expenditure Reports

• By ITEP Staff

Below is a list of tax expenditure reports published in the states.