Estate Tax Polling Data

Charts and Graphs illustrating public opinion on the Estate Tax. Federal Budget Priorities "When thinking about the federal budget, which TWO of the following would you personally give the highest priority to?” Tax Cut Priorities Compiled from survey conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner May 6-8, 2002 and NBC News/WSJ surveys conducted August 1999 and January 2001. Repeal Message Some people say we should eliminate the estate tax because it's nothing but a death tax that punishes those who succeed, especially small business owners and farmers. First, they spend their lives paying taxes on their hard earned money. Then, when they die, the government turns around and taxes it again. Children are often forced to sell the business or farm just to pay the taxes. We can't rob parents of the ability to provide security for their children. Reform Message Some people say eliminating the estate tax is a gift to multi-millionaires at the expense of 99 percent of American taxpayers. Giving them a new tax break would sacrifice our commitments to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, improve education, and fight terrorism. Instead, we should reform the estate tax to protect small businesses and family farms. That's the best way to advance the priorities that benefit all Americans. Reform vs. Repeal Do you favor eliminating the estate tax or simply reforming it to protect small businesses and family farms? Do you strongly favor (eliminating/reforming) it or somewhat favor (eliminating/reforming) it?” Partisanship and Reform: Initial Test “Do you favor eliminating the estate tax or simply reforming it to protect small businesses and family farms? Do you strongly favor (eliminating/reforming) it or somewhat favor (eliminating/reforming) it?” Key Audiences and Reform “Do you favor eliminating the estate tax or simply reforming it to protect small businesses and family farms?”
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