Posted Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Washington is taking a "fresh look" at the value-added tax, which would impose a new levy on every level of production all the way to the consumer. With deficits soaring, a 10% VAT levy might just tempt policymakers, who see it as a way to pay for national health care. They'd better consult the voters first: Our own IBD/TIPP Poll finds voters — regardless of party — overwhelmingly oppose a VAT, either as a supplement to our current income tax or as a replacement for it. Read more
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Posted Monday, May 18, 2009 4:30 PM PT
Despite President Obama's pledge to "cut taxes for 95% of workers and their families," a majority of Americans think his administration will raise taxes instead. According to this month's IBD/TIPP Poll, 57% think their federal income taxes are going up and 19% expect no change. Only 16% think they're going down. Interestingly, similar percentages apply to middle-income earners (in the $50,000 to $75,000 income bracket) — the very category the president has targeted for relief. Read more
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Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2009 4:30 PM PT
Other polls that ask Americans how they feel about a proposed "cap and trade" system to control pollution have tended to produce positive responses. But those surveys never seem to mention what such a system might cost. The latest IBD/TIPP Poll laid it all out in a somewhat lengthy question and drew a very different response: By nearly 3-to-1, Americans oppose a cap-and-trade system that, if opponents are correct, could add $800 to $1,200 per household to energy prices. Read more
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Posted Friday, May 08, 2009 4:30 PM PT
Contrary to common wisdom that the Republican Party is losing members in droves, IBD/TIPP data show the GOP with steady support over the last three years and Democrats benefiting more from an exodus of independents. The biggest inroads have been made with Hispanics and single women. Republicans have been up and down with Midwesterners and middle-class households. The investor class did not go through any realignment. Read more
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