When Maryland voters are asked how to address the state's finances, they are much more receptive to higher taxes on top earners than other solutions, Maryland Matters reported.
What's happening?
In a recent Maryland survey, 54% of voters said they support raising taxes on households that make at least $500,000 a year, Maryland Matters noted. Other revenue ideas drew much less backing despite a projected $3 billion structural budget gap in Maryland's budget.
Blended Public Affairs and Perry Jacobson commissioned the poll, which surveyed 800 registered Maryland voters viewed as likely November voters. It was conducted from July 27 to Aug. 3 and has a 3.5-point margin of error.
Support was especially low for several tax changes, the outlet noted. Eleven percent backed adding 1 cent to the sales tax, 15% favored extending the tax to services that are currently exempt, and 3% supported increasing the state property tax.
Why is this important?
The results demonstrate public concern over who should close the state's budget gap. While a sales tax increase could generate substantial revenue, it would also hit lower-income households hardest. And many of those households are already grappling with rising costs for necessities like electricity.
That financial strain showed up throughout the survey. Maryland Matters reported 51% of respondents said they are "really struggling financially" or "just getting by." Another 53% said utility bills might get so expensive that they or a family member could be unable to pay them.
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Nearly six in 10 voters rated Maryland's economy as "not so good" or poor, and just 2% described it as excellent. Four in 10 want the next governor to prioritize lowering utility costs.
The poll also suggests that energy concerns and development debates are connected in the state. Maryland Matters reported that three-quarters of respondents were concerned or very concerned about data centers.
What's being done?
If lawmakers decide they need to raise more revenue, the strongest support appears to be for asking more of wealthy households rather than imposing new costs that would hurt low-income households the most.
The poll also shows that voters want utility affordability treated as a top-tier issue. That could shape how Maryland approaches future decisions on economic development and energy-intensive projects like data centers.
It could also impact how developers frame data centers to residents, who will be especially wary of the impact on their utility bills.
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