New Polling Data Released: Mississippians Support a Balanced Approach

February 24th, 2012

Yesterday, Brad Chism with Fondren Strategies discussed the results of a telephone poll that was conducted in early February regarding Mississippians views on cutting the budget, raising taxes and various options on raising revenue. Some of the more interesting findings included:

Nearly seven out of ten respondents stated that cuts should be based on the impact that they have on people and savings. Only 22% supported across the board cuts
60% of respondents were in favor of at least some revenue increases to balance the budget while only 19% favored a cuts only approach

Among the respondents that supported some revenue increases, at least sixty percent of respondents were in favor of the following types of tax increases – cigarette, alcohol, tax increases on high income earners and closing corporate loopholes.

Also of interest, 43% of the respondents self identified as Republicans and 34% as Democrats. The findings of the poll reveal that a wide swath of Mississippians supports a balanced approach.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be participating in town hall forums held around the state to share this information along with regional economic snapshots and how budget cuts are affecting local communities with our partners through an emerging coalition called Better Choices for Mississippi. See the forum dates and locations here.

If you are interested in hearing more about the coalition or having the coalition come to your town, contact krobinson@childrensdefense.org