poll082708
On the homepage
Scanners
Out There
Gas lines
Club Outdoors
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Poll rejecting sales tax amendment disputed
A measure to raise funding for arts and wildlife finds little support in poll, but critics called the wording flawed.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
A recent poll has found widespread opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the state sales tax to benefit wildlife habitat, waterways, parks and the arts. However, proponents of the amendment said the poll was flawed and contradicted earlier surveys showing support for the measure.
Seventy-two percent of respondents to the Minnesota Public Radio/Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs poll said that increased arts and outdoors services should be paid out of existing revenues or by users, while 22 percent said the amendment is necessary to maintain the state's quality of life.
The poll of 763 likely voters was taken over an 11-day period ending Aug. 17. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
Ken Martin, campaign director for Vote Yes Minnesota, a coalition of 200 groups supporting the measure, said the MPR/HHH poll didn't put the actual ballot question to respondents.
"They gave voters a false choice between taxes and existing revenues, and by offering that false choice and not leading with the ballot language, it skewed the results," he said.
Phil Krinkie, director of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, said the new poll accurately reflects general opposition to the amendment.
"Am I surprised at the numbers? Somewhat, but it doesn't fall outside the bounds of what I'd be thinking," he said.
If approved by voters in November, the amendment would raise the state sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent, bringing in about $270 million annually for 25 years.
One-third would be used to improve fish and wildlife habitat, and another third to clean up the state's lakes and rivers; one-fifth would go for the arts and cultural heritage, and about one-sixth would go to parks and trails.
Recent State Politics stories
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - August 27, 2008
Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lawyers got a judge's green light, and funding was restored to a state nutrition program. More
- Bill helps consumers against debt buyers
- Senate passes $1 billion bonding bill
- Pawlenty makes his case to keep budget-cutting powers
- $78.5M to stop carp invasion
- Pawlenty: Keep sex offenders in prison
- Pawlenty hints at stadium solution
- Pawlenty plays courier for Texas donor
- Pawlenty: Don't touch my budget power
- What do politicians call a gorilla? Anything but
- Pawlenty's final deer opener in Little Falls
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds
Open positions!
A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now!
Save $$ Every Time You Shop Online
Learn how. More than 10,000 discount codes listed in one source.
Win tickets to see Minneapolis New Breed featuring Lamb Lays with Lion, Mad King Thomas and SuperGroup at The Southern Theater.Vita.mn presents an opening-night performance from Minneapolis New Breed featuring Lamb Lays with Lion, Mad King Thomas and SuperGroup at The Southern Theater on the Feb. 25. |
Comment on this story | Read all 51 comments | Hide reader comments