Most Minnesotans willing to pay more taxes but for certain things, survey suggests

A recent Minnesota Chamber of Commerce/Tunheim Partners poll of 602
Minnesotans ? likely 2010 voters ? shows that while most did not want
their taxes raised, the majority, six out of ten, indicated they'd be
willing to pay more to improve K-12 education outcomes, long-term care,
ensuring Minnesota infrastructure.

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol Reporter

A recent Minnesota Chamber of Commerce/Tunheim Partners poll of 602
Minnesotans ? likely 2010 voters ? shows that while most did not want
their taxes raised, the majority, six out of ten, indicated they'd be
willing to pay more to improve K-12 education outcomes, long-term care,
ensuring Minnesota infrastructure.

But only 29 percent of respondents said their income and sales tax paid to the state were achieving their expected results.

"Accountability is the byword of these findings. Minnesotans are
willing to pay taxes, but want to more clearly see what services and
results they are getting,? said Kathy Tunheim, president of Tunheim
Partners. "The message was clear that citizens are expecting a better
return on investment in the public sector.?

Taxing booze, tobacco and soda and extending the sales tax to
clothing were the most acceptable tax increases for Minnesotans, the
poll indicated.
Other poll findings include that while Republican and Democratic
legislators had a disapproval rating of 59 percent, Republican Gov. Tim
Pawlenty had a slightly negative approval rating of 49 percent.

The poll went on to determine while the next legislative session was
six months away, respondents had already set their priorities: the top
two improving education and keeping taxes down.

The poll was conducted Aug. 4-6.