Axios: Focus group finds Minnesota voters oppose DFL tax hikes, cite ‘crime and the economy as their top concerns’
Last week, Axios reported:
Minnesota swing voters in Axios’ latest Engagious/Sago focus group support some of the DFL‘s biggest legislative victories, but overwhelmingly oppose tax increases included in the recent state budget.
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Zoom in: All of them supported new laws protecting abortion rights, while universal free meals at schools, a pair of gun measures, guaranteed sick time for most workers, and a free college program for families making under $80,000 garnered strong support.
Yes, but: Eleven voters opposed newly passed revenue sources for transportation funding, which include indexing the gas tax to inflation, a 0.75% metro-area sales tax hike, and a future fee on non-food deliveries over $100.
Jeff D., a 64-year-old independent from Hugo, questioned why the hikes were needed in light of the state’s massive surplus. “They didn’t need to raise taxes on anything,” he said.
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What they’re saying: “They’re taking steps to help improve the quality of life for the middle class,” said Mike K., a 38-year-old independent from Eagan whose view of the trifecta went from negative to positive after seeing the list.
But Cristy M., also an independent, called the slate of changes passed in just five months “a little excessive.” “The money has to come from somewhere,” the 38-year-old from Le Sueur County said.
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But Cristy M., also an independent, called the slate of changes passed in just five months “a little excessive.” “The money has to come from somewhere,” the 38-year-old from Le Sueur County said.
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Eight supported the new paid family and medical leave law.
And just six backed the plan to send $260 rebate checks to millions of Minnesotans. “It’s a drop in the bucket,” Jeff said, adding that he would have rather seen lawmakers cut taxes.
These remarks echo the findings of our Thinking Minnesota poll, which we released in May:
- Raising the sales tax in the metro area to pay for transit projects is opposed by 58% of Minnesotans and 58% of Independents.
- Raising the tax on all retail deliveries such as those from Amazon, Fed-Ex, or Door Dash is opposed by 72% of Minnesotans and 72% of Independents.
- Raising the fee for car tabs is opposed by 81% of Minnesotans and 86% of Independents.
- Creating a new payroll tax to pay for a state-run paid family leave program is opposed by 50% of Minnesotans and 71% of Independents.
Axios also reports that the focus groups cite “crime and the economy as their top concerns in 2024.”