Leading USC and UC Berkeley economists to debate Prop. 40, California’s billionaire tax, on Oct. 13

USC and UC Berkeley economists will debate whether Proposition 40 would raise billions for healthcare — or ultimately cost California tax revenue by driving its wealthiest residents out of the state.

Contact: USC Dornsife Media Relations, press_inquiries@dornsife.usc.edu

 

California voters are closely divided over Proposition 40, the November ballot measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of the state’s billionaires. A recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies/Los Angeles Times poll found 45% of likely voters in favor, 42% opposed and 13% undecided.

The measure could raise tens of billions of dollars, with most of the proceeds going to health care. Opponents warn it could reduce future state tax revenue if some of California’s wealthiest residents leave the state.

Two leading economists will debate Proposition 40 and its potential impact on California during a livestreamed event on Tuesday, Oct. 13, hosted at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences by the USC Economics Association and honors society Omicron Delta Epsilon.

  • Matthew E. Kahn, Provost Professor of Economics and Spatial Sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
  • Emmanuel Saez, Chancellor’s Professorship of Tax Policy and Public Finance at UC Berkeley, and Director of The James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Wealth and Income Inequality
  • Moderator: David Schönholzer, assistant professor of economics at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

What: Economists Debate Proposition 40: California’s Billionaire Tax

When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, Noon – 1:15 pm

Watch: Register to watch live: https://tinyurl.com/prop40debate

  • High-resolution video clips will be available following the event, on request.

Media attendance at the campus event cannot be accommodated.