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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Given a choice between cutting taxes by $70 million or putting that money into schools, most Utah residents would pick education over their own wallets, according to a poll published Sunday.
Less than 50 percent of respondents "strongly" or "somewhat" favor a tax cut. When asked to put it up against public education, 58 percent would spend the money on schools, according to a survey for the Deseret Morning News and KSL-TV.
The school option, however, seems unlikely when lawmakers gather at the Capitol this week to consider changing the income-tax system and, separately, giving counties the authority to raise sales taxes for transportation projects.
The poll of 412 residents was conducted Sept. 12-14 by Dan Jones & Associates. It has an error margin of 5 percentage points.
Under Gov. Jon Huntsman's plan, Utah's tax system would have two paths. Residents could choose a flat-tax of 5.35 percent with no deductions or the current system, which carries a maximum rate of 7 percent and allows deductions.
The proposal includes a $70 million tax cut over two years.
Fewer than 5 percent of taxpayers are expected to choose the flat option.
The changes are intended to lure wealthy people and their businesses to Utah. The top income-tax rates in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico are lower than 5 percent. Nevada and Wyoming don't have an income tax.
Rhode Island is the only other state that has a two-track tax system.
Among people making more than $75,000 a year, the Jones poll found 62 percent favor the two-track system and 20 percent oppose it.
Among those who make less than $25,000 a year, 49 percent favor the two-track system while 29 percent oppose it, according to the poll.
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Information from Deseret Morning News: http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
