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“Really, this ‘Chicken Little’ argument that people are going to flee because of attacks — when we look at real-world examples and experiences across the country — none of that ever pans out,” said Suzanne Jimenez, Chief of Staff for SEIU–United Healthcare Workers West, in comments to Fox News.

Others strongly disagree. California chef and restaurateur countered on Fox News @ Night:
“People are awake now… Nobody wants to spend this money on taxes anymore, because it’s just a complete waste of money. So they will leave — and they are leaving.”

Jensen Huang Stays Put as Others Weigh Options

Not all California Billionaires are preparing exits. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told Bloomberg that he has no intention of leaving Silicon Valley over taxes.

“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes, I guess, they would like to apply, so be it,” Huang said. “I’m perfectly fine with it. It never crossed my mind once.”

Bloomberg

His stance highlights a growing divide among tech leaders — between those willing to absorb higher taxes and those opting for preemptive relocation.

Apple, Corporate Departures, and Economic Ripple Effects

The Wealth Tax debate intersects with a broader trend of companies scaling back their California footprint. Apple has already begun relocating employees to Texas, with some workers told to move or face termination. Reports indicate Apple is offering full relocation packages, including housing assistance and cultural training, signaling a coordinated long-term strategy.
Apple Is Forcing Dozens of Employees to Relocate

A departure from Apple would have severe local consequences. Cupertino could lose nearly $60 million in revenue tied to sales tax disputes, potentially forcing layoffs and service cuts. At the state level, California already faces a $12 billion budget deficit, flat revenue projections, and lingering fallout from a $165 billion revenue miscalculation in 2022.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, while only 1.9% of company headquarters have left the state, the trend has accelerated since 2017. Companies including Tesla, Chevron, Oracle, McKesson, and Palantir have already relocated operations.

Are Company Headquarters Leaving California?

Apple Is Forcing Dozens of Employees to Relocate: Report

Winners and Losers in the Wealth Tax Era

Potential Winners

• Texas and other low-tax states are gaining jobs and investment
• State and local economic development agencies outside California

Potential Losers

• California tax authorities and municipalities
• Local real estate markets tied to corporate headquarters
• State revenue streams are already under pressure

A Defining Moment for California Billionaires

As the Wealth Tax proposal advances, California Billionaires face a pivotal choice: stay and pay, or leave and restructure. Whether the state can afford the risk — fiscally and economically — remains an open question, one that voters and policymakers will soon be forced to confront.