Slim Majority of Voters Support Compromise Tax Hike Plan, Poll Finds
A slim majority of likely California voters support a compromise tax hike plan developed by Gov. Jerry Brown (D), according to a new Field Poll released Saturday, the AP/San Jose Mercury News reports.
The poll surveyed 710 registered voters by telephone from May 21 to May 29 (AP/San Jose Mercury News, 6/9).
Details of Compromise Tax Hike Plan
The tax hike plan -- developed by Brown and supporters of the "Millionaires Tax" -- would:
- Increase the personal income tax by one percentage point for individuals who earn $250,000 annually or couples who earn $500,000 annually and by two percentage points for individuals who earn $300,000 annually or couples who earn $600,000 annually;
- Extend the income tax increases on wealthy residents from five to seven years; and
- Increase the sales tax by a quarter of a cent.
The sales tax hike would expire in four years.
The proposal would raise an estimated $9 billion over the next fiscal year.
Last month, Brown began submitting voter signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot (California Healthline, 5/30).
Details of Rival Tax Hike Plan
The compromise plan faces competition from a plan by attorney Molly Munger, called "Our Children, Our Future." Munger's plan aims to raise income taxes for all residents, with the highest earners seeing the largest hike.
Most of the funds raised would support education programs (California Healthline, 5/11).
Results of Field Poll
Among likely voters that responded to the poll:
- 52% said they support the compromise tax hike plan;
- 35% said they oppose the compromise tax hike plan;
- 42% said they support Munger's plan;
- 43% said they oppose Munger's plan (Siders, Sacramento Bee, 6/9);
- 35% said they support both measures;
- 28% said they oppose both measures; and
- 8% said they are undecided on both measures (AP/San Jose Mercury News, 6/9).