The Nielson Brothers Polling (NBP) Labor Day Survey shows 56% of South Dakota voters oppose a penny per dollar increase in the state sales tax, while 35% of respondents support it, with 9% undecided. When asked whether, “in light of state budget cuts,†they would support a “one percent sales tax increase,†Democrats oppose it 53% to 39%. Republicans oppose it even more strongly 58% to 32%. Strongest opposition comes from Independent and other party members, 60% to 32%.
Those who self-identify as “liberals†are most likely to support the tax increase, with 56% in favor. A majority of “moderates†also support the increase (51%). However, support drops off among self-identified “conservatives†(31%) and even farther among those who associate themselves with the “tea party†(19%). Each group make up roughly a quarter of the survey respondents.
“The immediate reaction by a majority of respondents to a sales tax increase to alleviate state budget cuts is negative,†said Paul Nielson, partner in Nielson Brothers Polling. “Dedicating new revenues to specific needs, for example education and health care, may increase support,†Nielson added. “In any case, more conservative voters still must be convinced.â€
In this Nielson Brothers Polling Labor Day Survey, conducted over a three day period from August 31 to September 2, 729 voters responded to the question about an increase in the state sales tax. It has a margin of error of 3.63 % at a 95% confidence level.
Isn’t this the polling firm that showed Scott Heidepriem down by 2 points right before the election?
If the supporters want this to pass, they need to tell Sanford to quit spending money like a drunken sailor. Or at least not call the media every time t-den takes a dump.
Yeah, no kidding, Huh?
“Ah, yeah, we need more money for healthcare because the millions we spend on marketing and fun fairs for our employees needs to be supported.”