Exclusive | Billionaire tax backers burn big money on retreats, out-of-state political efforts and breathing coach

One of California’s biggest healthcare unions defied Gov.Gavin Newsom by placing a billionaire tax on the ballot this fall, arguing the rich need to pay a bigger share to offset federal cuts to hospitals and emergency rooms — but records show the labor organization isn’t exactly hard up for cash.

The Post’s review of federal records found that officials for Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West burned millions on an out-of-state political effort as well as dues on travel, conferences and beachfront retreats — all while paying nearly $235,000 to a “clarity coach” who appeared in a series of low-budget mindfulness videos on Instagram.SEIU-UHW has emerged as the driving force behind a November ballot initiative that would impose a one-time tax on billionaires to help hospitals and emergency rooms weather President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid funding.But the union’s latest financial disclosures — filed with the U.S.

Department of Labor — offer a glimpse into how its own members’ dues were spent last year, including conferences and retreats in Puerto Rico, Redondo Beach and San Diego.Among the largest consulting expenses was $234,804 paid to Dr.Joi K.

Madison through 14 separate transactions in 2025.The filing identifies every payment simply as compensation for an “independent contractor,” without describing the work performed.Madison, who holds doctoral and master’s degrees, has appeared in a series of short “Mindful Minute” videos posted to the union’s Instagram account, sometimes racking up as many as a few dozen likes.

Several videos appear to have been filmed during the same recording session, with Madison wearing the same outfit in clips released days or weeks apart.In one video, Madison — who did not respond to requests for comment — urges healthcare workers to pause, breathe and “feel the floor” beneath them.Other clips guide viewers through gratitude exercises, breathing techniques and ...