Two-thirds of Iowans (66.3%) agreed with this statement: “Iowa state government has enough money to fix and maintain our roads and bridges, and we need smarter spending and better priority-setting instead of raising taxes.”
The poll also found that Iowans want Legislators to look at alternatives to raising the gas tax before considering any tax increase; 63.7% want Legislators to look for other ways to improve Iowa roads and bridges.
The poll conducted for Iowans for Tax Relief surveyed 400 registered voters from across the state. We believe these results are very telling as to what Iowans really believe about a gas tax increase. The poll shows, contrary to what many special interest groups and legislators assert, that Iowans strongly oppose a gas tax increase.
Legislators and special interest groups that support a gas tax increase would like to take the easy way out and pass a tax on everyone. ITR believes the average Iowan already pays a big amount in fuel taxes and registration fees despite the fact that their vehicles create little wear and tear on Iowa’s roads. Iowans for Tax Relief believes it is inequitable and wrong to continue to tax all Iowans for damage to roads caused by a few specific industries.
The survey was conducted by Victory Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa. Interviews were conducted by a live operator. The survey consists of interviews from 400 likely voters in Iowa. Calls were completed on January 6 and 7, 2015. The margin of error is +/- 4.89%. The survey was balanced by party, age, gender, and geography. Registered Democrats made up 33% of the respondents; Republicans 35% and No-Party voters 32%.