By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers
Americans are not keen on paying any new tax to fund healthcare reform and instead want Congress to cut programs to pay for the changes. In the new Whispers poll from Synovate eNation, 56 percent rejected new taxes while 29 percent said OK to sin taxes, 12 percent are willing to pay a soda tax, and just 3 percent agree with a tax on employer-paid health insurance.
Of note in the poll, low-income Americans rejected taxes at a higher rate than other groups, with 62 percent against new levies. And families making $75,000 or more favored sin taxes more than the other income groups.
The Whispers Poll
Capitol Hill Democrats appear to be ready to call for taxes to pay for healthcare reform. Which taxes, if any, would you be willing to pay?
| None. Make budget cuts instead | 56% |
|---|---|
| Sin tax on booze and smokes | 29% |
| Tax on sugary sodas | 12% |
| A tax on employer-paid health insurance | 3% |
Source: The Synovate eNation Internet poll was conducted June 15-17 among 1,000 nationally representative households by global market research firm Synovate.
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Robert W. Warrington of NY 8:53AM March 21, 2010
ME of WA 12:51AM March 21, 2010
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