NEW POLL: Virginians Reject Youngkin’s Regressive Tax Plan, Support Progressive Alternative to Boost Hardworking Virginians

RICHMOND, Va. —  Today, Freedom Virginia has released polling conducted in six swing House of Delegates districts, which shows Virginians overwhelmingly reject Governor Glenn Youngkin’s regressive tax plan and support policies to create a fairer tax system.

Voters surveyed in Virginia House Districts 21 (Prince William), 57 (Henrico/Goochland), 65 (Fredericksburg area), 82 (Petersburg area), 89 (Chesapeake/Suffolk), and 97 (Virginia Beach) show strong support for policies that invest in hardworking Virginians and ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. These six districts were among the most competitive in 2023, with all six races decided by fewer than 6 percentage points.

In a clear rejection of Governor Youngkin’s signature tax plan, the polling indicates a opposition to the Governor’s proposed increase of the sales tax rate. The increase received massive opposition across the board: 83% in District 21 (Prince William); 85% in District 57 (Henrico/Goochland); 81% in District 65 (Fredericksburg area); 83% in District 82 (Petersburg area); 86% in District 89 (Chesapeake/Suffolk); and 87% in District 97 (Virginia Beach) all oppose the proposal.

The polling also shows strong support for tax reforms that would ensure the ultra-rich pay their fair share. Policies with strong support include: removing tax breaks for the rich, such as creating a new tax bracket of 10% for taxable income above $1,000,000; reinstating the estate tax; and closing tax loopholes that allow the ultra-wealthy to shift the tax burden to the middle and working class.

The Fair Share Act, which would create a new 10% tax bracket for annual taxable income earned over $1,000,000 was supported by a more than a 30 point margin in each surveyed district and received a majority of support among independents in each district. Overall support for the policy is as follows: 62% in District 21 (Prince William); 65% in District 57 (Henrico/Goochland); 69% in District 65 (Fredericksburg area); 67% in District 82 (Petersburg area); 67% in District 89 (Chesapeake/Suffolk); and 69% in District 97 (Virginia Beach).

Voters surveyed showed strong support for investing more in K-12 education, as well as passing a state Child Tax Credit to provide an additional $500 credit for each child to parents with children under 18 in households making less than $100,000 a year. The Child Tax Credit proposal received over 70% support in every district surveyed: 72% in District 21 (Prince William);  75% in District 57 (Henrico/Goochland); 74% in District 65 (Fredericksburg area); 78% in District 82 (Petersburg area);  73% in District 89 (Chesapeake/Suffolk); and 76% in District 97 (Virginia Beach).

Freedom Virginia Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement:

“Governor Youngkin’s tax proposal puts the ultra wealthy and corporations first and hardworking people last. This polling shows that Virginians are not buying what he is selling. Hardworking Virginia families want action on affordability and investment in schools, not more handouts to wealthy special interests.  It’s time for the General Assembly to champion progressive tax policies that truly benefit hardworking families, creating a fair and effective tax system for everyone.  As the House, Senate, and Governor prepare to negotiate over the 2024-2026 budget, we urge all budget conferees and the Governor to support ideas like a Fair Share tax and Child Tax Credit that would make our economy more fair and ensure that everyday Virginians can keep more of what they earn.”

Public Policy Polling surveyed 2,812 Virginians between January 29 and 31, 2024 in six key swing districts across the Commonwealth.

Read the full polling memo here.

Visual representations of the polling data are below. Graphs do not include “no answer” responses.