Likely Illinois Voters Place Budget Blame on Gov’t Spending

In a recent survey of 750 Likely Voters in Illinois, Rasmussen Reports measured citizens’ views on the Illinois budget crisis. 73% of voters in Illinois blame the budget crisis in the state on politicians’ unwillingness to reduce government spending. 16% blame the taxpayer’s unwillingness to pay more in taxes. 10% are not sure who is more to...

In a recent survey of 750 Likely Voters in Illinois, Rasmussen Reports measured citizens’ views on the Illinois budget crisis.

• 73% of voters in Illinois blame the budget crisis in the state on politicians’ unwillingness to reduce government spending.
• 16% blame the taxpayer’s unwillingness to pay more in taxes.
• 10% are not sure who is more to blame.

The Rasmussen Survey found by a more than 4.5 to 1 margin, likely Illinois voters blame overspending for the budget deficit problems here in Illinois. Rasmussen’s numbers are very similar to a survey the Illinois Policy Institute commissioned earlier this year.

Additionally, in our poll of 600 likely Illinois Voters we also surveyed citizens’ support for a solution to the state’s spending problems, a constitutional cap on state spending. Our survey found 70% likely voters favor amending the Illinois State Constitution to place a limit on state spending growth.

Unfortunately, it seems as if the views of Illinoisans are not matching up with the political outcomes in Springfield. Gov. Quinn has proposed a 33% income tax increase to help plug the budget hole, with very limited amounts of cuts in government spending.

On the other hand at the Illinois Policy Institute we have proposed a balanced budget without a tax hike in our Budget Solutions 2011 plan.