Josh Goodman is a former staff writer for GOVERNING..
E-mail: mailbox@governing.comTwitter: @governing
You Don't See This Every Day
The people of Maryland, by large majorities, want their taxes to be raised. The details of the Washington Post poll:
-69% want cigarette taxes to be increased by a dollar a pack
-66% want corporate income taxes to be increased by one percentage point
-62% want to raise the top rates on the state income tax
-57% want to extend the sales tax to currently tax-free services such as tanning salons and health clubs
On the other hand, few Marylanders support a one percentage point increase in the sales tax (29%) or a 10-cent gas tax hike (37%). I doubt Marylanders are keen on property tax increases either.
Still, the results of the poll surprised me. Sure, Maryland is a progressive state, but a generation of Republican governors in Massachusetts can tell you that liberal voters often oppose tax increases.
I wish I could figure out exactly what factors go into determining whether or not the public accepts higher taxes. I'm sure more than a few elected officials wish they could too.
Twitter: @governing
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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