California voters appear to have finally seen through the latest scheme from Sacramento and the unions to pick the pockets of the people who still create anything in the Golden State. A new poll from the New York Post shows 52.6 percent opposing Proposition 40, the proposed one-time 5 percent wealth tax on billionaires, while only 34.5 percent support it and 11.5 percent remain undecided.
Pollster John McLaughlin of McLaughlin & Associates noted, “Voters just don’t trust Sacramento politicians when it comes to taxes. Whenever pollsters ask should we raise taxes on billionaires? People say why not but naturally when we ask should they raise taxes on you? People say no—especially when affordability is the top issue.”
That distrust is well earned. California already ranks among the highest-taxed states in the nation. Housing costs are crushing families. Businesses and residents have been fleeing for years. Now a healthcare workers union wants to slap a 5 percent levy on the net worth of roughly 200 billionaires who happened to live in the state on January 1, 2026, with 90 percent of the take earmarked for Medi-Cal and the rest for food assistance or education.
The money would bypass normal spending limits and school funding requirements. Proponents claim it could raise tens of billions, maybe $100 billion. Critics point out that valuation disputes, legal challenges, and people simply leaving will shrink that number fast.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has poured more than $100 million into the fight, including a recent $20 million to Build a Better California, to avoid an estimated $13 billion hit on his roughly $267 billion fortune. He is not alone. Tech figures and others have spent hundreds of millions overall opposing the tax and backing competing measures—Propositions 41 and 42—that would nullify it if they receive more votes.
Even Governor Gavin Newsom, no friend of limited government, has opposed the measure and endorsed one of the blockers, arguing a state wealth tax would drive productive people out and damage the economy he depends on for revenue.
Earlier polls, including one from the Citrin Center and Politico, had the measure closer or even narrowly ahead. The shift tracks with voters learning the details. McLaughlin noted that warnings about poor drafting, loopholes that could expand the tax beyond billionaires, and the likelihood it becomes recurring are resonating. Two-thirds of voters in related surveys already doubt it would stay one-time.
This is not complicated. Politicians and special interests always want more of other people’s money. They dress it up as fairness or healthcare while ignoring that envy is not a governing principle and that the productive already pay the vast majority of California’s income taxes. When the same government that cannot manage what it has demands a new slice of accumulated wealth, ordinary voters start to wonder whose turn comes next.
Scripture is clear on the matter. “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Exodus 20:17).
The commandment does not include an exception for billionaires or for governments claiming the money will do good. Private property is not a privilege granted by Sacramento. It is a right that precedes the state.
California has spent decades testing how high it can raise taxes and how many rules it can pile on before the people who build companies, hire workers, and generate revenue simply leave. The latest poll suggests voters have noticed the results.
Whether that translates into a clear no on November 3 remains to be seen, especially with competing measures on the ballot and heavy spending on both sides. But the numbers show the “tax the rich” pitch is losing its magic when people realize the rich can move and the bills eventually come due for everyone else.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
