Albuquerque - Poll results released today show that a strong bi-partisan majority
of New Mexicans would support a freeze on further implementation of the cut in
personal income taxes passed in 2003 at the Governor's urging.
Majority
Support Tax Cut Freeze ...
60% of the 600 people polled (who are registered
and likely to vote) agree that the state's income tax cut should be stopped -
and even rolled back - if there is not enough money to adequately fund education
and healthcare. Of those in agreement, 53% are Republicans and 70% are Democrats.
The
tax cuts are being phased in over a five-year period. In 2007, when fully phased
in, they will cost the state budget $360 million each year.
...
Including Those That Benefit From the Tax Cut
Mark Donatelli, a New Mexican
resident who is in the upper-income bracket that received a large tax cut, said:
"I never felt that I needed a tax cut in the first place. And, frankly, I
haven't noticed receiving it. But, I have been a criminal defense lawyer in New
Mexico for more than 25 years. I know that investing in education will result
in less crime. Rather than a tax cut, I'd like to see more dollars spent on education."
"I
agree", says Bill Kass who is similarly situated economically. "I never
wanted these tax cuts. I wasn't polled, but if I had been, I would have been in
the group that supported rolling the tax cuts back to where they were. The freeze
on further implementation that has been proposed by Senator Lopez (SB469) is a
step in the right direction, but I would be in favor of returning to where we
were before the cuts."
Majority
Also Support Increased Spending on Healthcare, Education, Economic Development
A majority (56%) of those polled also said they would rather see the state make
a greater investment in education, healthcare and economic development than another
tax cut.
And Strong Majority Support Tax Increase for Top Earners
The poll results
also show a strong majority (71%) supporting a tax increase for top earners if
that would mean that low-cost health insurance could be provided to all children
in New Mexico.
Gerry Bradley, New Mexico Voices for Children Research Director, adds: "The
sad news is that the tax cuts have not stimulated the economy either. New Mexico
is no better off having passed this huge tax cut. In fact, if we don't have enough
money for education and healthcare we will be a less appealing location for business".
The poll was commissioned by New Mexico Voices for Children and designed and administered
by Lake Nell Perry & Associates. It surveyed 600 New Mexicans who are registered
and likely to vote. It was administered in September 2004 and has a margin of
error of +/- 4.0%.
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