Sergey Brin fights fire with fire — and two ballot initiatives
Sergey Brin, Google co-founder, has funded two ballot initiatives in California to counter a proposed 'billionaire tax' that would retroactively tax wealth. One initiative would ban taxes on personal property, while the other mandates audits and restricts tax revenue to be spent on education. Brin, who left California after the tax proposal, argues these measures defend the 'California Dream' of innovation and individual freedom.
- ▪Sergey Brin has largely funded two ballot initiatives to oppose California's proposed billionaire tax.
- ▪One initiative would ban taxes on personal property, including retroactive taxes, while the other requires audits and restricts tax revenue to education spending.
- ▪The billionaire tax proposal is backed by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, which would not benefit if Brin's education-only spending measure passes.
- ▪Brin's organization, Building a Better California, promotes the idea that the California Dream is worth defending.
- ▪Many wealthy Californians, including self-made billionaires, are leaving the state due to the proposed retroactive tax.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion Sergei Brin fights fire with fire — and two ballot initiatives By CA Post Editorial Board Published May 1, 2026, 8:12 p.m. ET The billionaire tax is on the ballot — but so are the weapons against it. Google founder Sergey Brin has launched — and largely funded — two ballot initiatives that take direct aim at the tax proposal. One of Brin’s countermeasures would ban taxes on personal property, including retroactive taxes. (The billionaire tax proposes seizing 5% of the wealth and assets of its targets). If it receives more votes than the billionaire tax, then under state law, it would prevail. The other countermeasure would require audits of new taxes, and would require the proceeds from the billionaire tax to be spent on education — not on health care.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Opinion – Latest Op-Eds & News Commentary | New York Post.
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