A new poll of Wisconsin voters from the Institute for Reforming Government shows strong support for lower taxes and dramatically reduced government spending.
Wisconsin voters are demanding cheaper food, lower taxes and restrained state spending as the top priorities heading into the November governor’s race, according to a new poll that shows broad, cross-party support for an affordability agenda.
The survey of 800 registered voters, conducted April 10-14 by RMG Research for the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) and Napolitan News Service, found 70% of respondents describing the state as in a cost-of-living crisis. Three-quarters said their incomes have not kept pace with inflation, and 42% identified inflation and the cost of living as the single most important issue.
When asked what would most help their personal finances, 38% cited lower food costs, while 18% pointed to lower taxes and another 18% to lower housing costs. Support for tax cuts crossed party lines. Majorities of Republicans, independents and Democrats favored reductions in state income taxes (51%), local property taxes (53%), school property taxes (46%) and sales taxes (41%). Asked to pick one tax to eliminate outright, 34% chose the state income tax — the top choice across all three parties.
53% said the next governor should cut overall state spending after the last budget’s 15% increase. That view was held by 71% of Republicans, 68% of independents and 37% of Democrats. Just 3% wanted to repeat the spending hike.
“Voters need to see a real plan from candidates in Wisconsin for helping with their personal finances. That’s the biggest item by far,” said IRG CEO CJ Szafir. “We also know from our Trump voter focus groups that the midterm voters will need to see how state policies impact their lives in real, credible ways. They are hungry for state solutions that will help their families thrive.”
The poll tested several specific policies. Eighty-two percent opposed a proposed 14% utility rate increase pending before the Public Service Commission, with opposition crossing party lines.
Sixty-two percent favored repealing Wisconsin’s 1930s-era minimum markup law, which sets minimum prices for gasoline and prevents retailers from selling groceries and other goods below cost. Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats supported repeal. Critics argue the Depression-era measure now keeps everyday prices higher than in neighboring states.
On data centers, 35% said they would favor one in their community, while 57% opposed. Support rose slightly to 44% if the facility included its own power supply, but independents remained largely resistant.
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