California business owner says taxes and homelessness threaten his business

July 23, 2026 - 06:06

A California small business owner is sounding the alarm over what he calls a toxic combination of high taxes and a worsening homelessness crisis that is pushing his company toward the brink. Speaking during a panel on Fox News @ Night, the owner described how state policies are making it nearly impossible to keep his doors open.

The discussion focused on the upcoming race for California governor and what candidates need to prioritize to save the state's economy. Panelists debated whether the next leader should focus on cutting business taxes or tackling the visible homelessness problem that drives away customers and creates safety concerns. One panelist argued that without immediate tax relief, small businesses will continue to flee the state or shut down entirely. Another pointed out that the homelessness crisis is not just a humanitarian issue but a direct threat to local commerce, as shoppers avoid downtown areas and storefronts struggle with vandalism and theft.

The business owner on the panel shared his own experience, saying that between paying some of the highest state income taxes in the country and dealing with encampments near his shop, he feels the state government is working against him. He called for a governor who will enforce existing laws and cut red tape.

The debate highlighted a growing frustration among California entrepreneurs who feel abandoned by state leaders. With the election approaching, the panel concluded that the next governor must offer a clear, practical plan to revive the economy and restore confidence in the state's business climate.