Support for Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) compromise tax hike plan -- listed as Proposition 30 on the November ballot -- is highest among wealthier individuals, according to an analysis of a Field Poll released Thursday, Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports (Siders, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 9/20).
Details of Compromise Tax Hike Plan
Prop. 30 -- developed by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) and supporters of the "Millionaires Tax" would:
- Increase the personal income tax by one percentage point for individuals who earn $250,000 annually or couples who earn $500,000 annually and by two percentage points for individuals who earn $300,000 annually or couples who earn $600,000 annually;
- Extend the income tax increases on wealthy residents from five to seven years; and
- Increase the sales tax by a quarter of a cent.
The sales tax hike would expire in four years (California Healthline, 9/20).
Support Among Higher-Income Residents
While the poll found that 51% of all respondents said they support Prop. 30, the percentage increases to 59% among respondents whose annual household incomes exceed $100,000.
According to the poll, 48% of respondents whose annual incomes are between $40,000 and $99,000 said they support Prop. 30, while 51% of voters whose annual household incomes are below $40,000 said they support the measure.
Education an Important Factor, Poll Director Says
Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said that support for Prop. 30 among the state's wealthier residents is a more appropriate indication of their level of education than their income. The poll found that 54% of college graduates and 61% of individuals who have done postgraduate work said they support the measure.
According to "Capitol Alert," it is unclear how many of the higher-income individuals surveyed for the poll make enough money to be affected by the measure's income tax hikes. DiCamillo said he believes those affected by Prop. 30 would oppose it, but added that he's "just not sure" ("Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 9/20).