In a fiery statement during an appearance on NewsNation’s Cuomo Friday evening, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) called for the wealthiest Americans to pay more in taxes to fund essential public services, including resources to address California’s worsening wildfire crises. Waters emphasized that her stance is not about partisan politics but about ensuring the resources needed to combat disasters are available.
Waters began her remarks by distancing herself from political blame, saying, “I’m not into the blame game. I’m not into talking about whether or not Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is trying to protect himself and run for president, none of that.” Instead, she stressed that the discussion should focus on how to provide adequate resources to address the growing wildfire problem and other critical issues in California.
“Services cost money,” Waters explained, pointing out that robust public infrastructure, disaster response systems, and fire prevention efforts require substantial funding. For Waters, the solution lies in ensuring the nation’s wealthiest pay their fair share in taxes.
According to Waters, the richest 1% of Americans—who she argues are protected and privileged—need to contribute more to the nation’s tax revenue. These funds, she contends, would enable federal and state governments to strengthen their response to emergencies like the wildfires devastating California and other western states.
“We should be willing to get the richest people in this country, the richest 1%, that is protected, to make sure they pay their fair taxes so that we can have the money to provide the services,” she declared. Waters framed this as a commonsense solution to fund essential public goods, including wildfire prevention measures and disaster relief.
The state of California has been grappling with increasingly severe wildfire seasons, driven in part by climate change, drought, and aging infrastructure. This year has been no exception, with fires scorching thousands of acres, displacing residents, and causing significant economic and environmental damage.
Critics of California’s wildfire response have pointed to issues like insufficient forest management, outdated firefighting technology, and budget constraints. Waters acknowledged these challenges but argued that addressing them requires a steady stream of funding—something she believes the wealthiest Americans can provide through higher tax contributions.
While Waters avoided naming specific political figures or delving into potential presidential ambitions of California Governor Gavin Newsom, her comments nonetheless reflect a broader debate about leadership and responsibility. Critics often accuse politicians of using crises like wildfires to push their agendas or score political points. However, Waters maintained that her focus was on practical solutions rather than partisan wrangling.
“The people who have been selected or elected to do the job should do the job,” she stated, alluding to the need for effective governance and resource allocation to address the state’s ongoing challenges.
Waters’ call for the wealthiest to pay more taxes aligns with broader Democratic efforts to implement progressive tax policies. Proposals such as increasing capital gains taxes, implementing a wealth tax, or closing tax loopholes for corporations have long been central to the party’s platform. These measures aim to address income inequality while providing funds for public goods and services.
Opponents, however, argue that higher taxes on the wealthy could stifle economic growth or drive businesses and individuals out of states.
