California’s 2026 budget adds a new software sales tax and extends the Medi-Cal health care tax. Critics call it the largest tax increase in state history, with higher costs expected for consumers and businesses.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters may be reaching a tipping point on taxes. A new analysis by veteran California political columnist Dan Walters suggests that even in one of the nation's most Democratic states, voters are becoming increasingly reluctant to approve ballot measures that raise taxes or expand government spending. (Noozhawk) California already has one of the nation's highest overall tax burdens, collecting roughly $400 billion annually in state and local tax