California's diving headfirst into the crypto world with Assembly Bill 1180, and while some are raising eyebrows, I see a massive opportunity for real, positive change, especially for those who've been left behind by traditional finance.

Democratizing Dollars: Beyond Bank Walls

For too long, the financial system has been a gated community—open only to a select few. High fees, restrictive lending practices, and outright discrimination have kept many from accessing the tools they need to build wealth. At its best, crypto is supposed to be much more equitable and fair. Consider it financial jujitsu – using the system’s own momentum to drive change. AB 1180, by requiring all state agencies to be able to accept crypto payments, does just that.

This isn't just about convenience. It's about inclusion. And imagine that same single mother trying to hold down two jobs. Now she can pay her vehicle registration fee with the crypto she earned from her new side-hustle without high bank fees and predatory cash-advance lending terms. This is financial empowerment, plain and simple.

Seizing Opportunity, Not Just Crypto?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the state seizing dormant crypto. I get the concerns. It sounds a little…grabby. The state is currently doing this with unclaimed property. If you leave a bank account alone for long enough, the state will take possession after a couple decades of dormancy. The one and only aim should be to reconnect people with their investments. Or, instead of penalizing them, we can invest those assets back in the public good.

Imagine if the proceeds from forfeited crypto were directed to supporting financial literacy initiatives in communities that have been historically underserved. Or to award grants to women- and minority-owned small businesses? Let's turn a potential negative into a positive, a fund that empowers people instead of just lining the state's coffers.

Community Coins Fueling Local Dreams

Forget Bitcoin millionaires for a second. The true promise of crypto is its potential to strengthen community. Now picture an artist in your own community, issuing a “community coin” to raise funds for their next artistic endeavor. Supporters purchase the coin, giving the artist the funds required to pursue her craft. In exchange, they get special access to the artist’s output and future endeavors.

This is not a fantasy but in fact is already occurring in pockets across the globe. Through innovative projects like these, crypto is helping communities go around traditional gatekeepers and fund directly the stuff they care about. California could be a leader in all this innovation, cultivating a whole new crop of civic-minded entrepreneurs and creatives.

Knowledge is Power: Crypto Education

Let's be real. Crypto can be scary. Volatility is the biggest issue. Evangelists are misinformed. That's why education is paramount. AB 1180 requires an extensive public education effort. This campaign should help Americans understand the risks and rewards of crypto, learn how to protect themselves from scams, and learn how to use these tools responsibly.

Free workshops at community centers. Online resources in multiple languages. Partnerships with local schools and libraries. We can give people the tools and knowledge they need to start tackling and navigating this new world.

Beyond Bitcoin: Building a Better Future

California’s crypto ambition isn’t simply a gamble on new technology—it’s an investment in a more inclusive, equitable future. We’re creating an inclusive ecosystem that empowers everyone to participate in—and benefit from—the digital economy. This, in turn, gives people more ability to make choices that lead to healthier lives for themselves and their families.

Yes, there are risks. Yes, there are challenges. The opportunity and the potential rewards are too great to ignore. Let’s approach this challenge with creativity and open hearts. Let’s all, collectively, rededicate ourselves to the work of education and recommit ourselves to uplifting those who need it the most. Because at the end of the day, this really isn’t about Bitcoin or Ethereum. It’s not about being anti-development or pro-environment any longer. It’s about creating a better California for everyone.

Let’s not make this a Democrat versus Republican issue. It’s about innovation, opportunity, and a future where every American has an equal shot at success—and that’s a message worth fighting for. Whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, or somewhere in between, that's something we can all get behind. Isn't it?