The Plan: The California Secretary of State has greenlit a ballot initiative for a possible 2028 independence vote, mandating 546,651 signatures by July 22. If approved, the proposal would establish a $12 million commission to analyze California's potential as a stand-alone nation.
Economic Impact: Boasting the world's fifth-largest economy at $3.9 trillion, California surpasses Canada in economic prowess. However, the state depends on $100 billion in federal funding and $560 billion in federal tax revenue each year to sustain healthcare and social welfare programs.