California billionaire wealth tax ballot faces union spending controversy

The Service Employees International Union – United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU‑UHW) is the primary sponsor of a one‑time five‑percent wealth tax on the November ballot in California. The measure would apply to assets over $1 billion held by roughly 200 state billionaires and, according to proponents, could raise more than $100 billion over five years, helping a state budget of about $350 billion.

A union watchdog group has highlighted that SEIU‑UHW has spent about $1.34 million of member dues on luxury resort travel for staff over several years. Center for Union Facts director Charlyce Bozello said the expenditures, such as trips to the Langham Huntington, Kona Kai Resort and the Caribe Hilton, appear "hypocritical" for a union that is campaigning to tax the rich. Bozello added that the complex LM‑2 filings make it difficult for members to track how their dues are used.