Poll: Mainers split on tax reform
Mainers are divided on whether to keep the state's new tax reform law, a recent survey from Critical Insights has found.
The Portland-based firm's spring 2010 tracking poll found that 43% of respondents would vote at the June 8 referendum to keep the law, while 38% planned to vote to repeal the law. Nineteen percent were unsure as to how they would vote. The law, signed by Gov. John Baldacci last June, cuts the top income tax rate from 8.5% to 6.5%, increases the meals and lodging tax from 7% to 8.5% and expands the sales tax to more goods and services. A citizen's petition effort was successful in putting a repeal of the law on next month's ballot.
The survey also found that one-third of respondents cited the economy as their top concern for the state, and concern over unemployment rose to 27% from 11% in the fall of 2009. Only 9% of people said taxes were their primary concern, while health care and education each garnered 7%. The firm polled 600 people between April 28 and May 7 for the survey.
For more details on the tax reform debate, see Mainebiz cover story "Tax reform 101."
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