Editing 78-10-B8 (section)

=== Transcript ===
Following the passage of Proposition 13 in California and the
wave of comment, criticism and just plain cheering that swept the
nation, Gallup took a very interesting poll. His first question
aimed right at those who pooh pooh cuts in government spending
because, they claim, the people still demand services and handouts
from government.

Mr. Gallup asked, "Would you favor or oppose a proposal in your
state to cut or limit property taxes, even if it means a reduction
in certain local services, or an increase in other forms of tax?"
Nationwide the response was 57 percent would favor such a proposal,
30 percent said no. I won't bother giving the "don't knows".

Then Mr. Gallup asked how much the respondents believed property
taxes could be cut without a serious reduction in local services or
an increase in other kinds of taxes . All in all, 71 percent felt
there could be a cut ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent or more.
It broke down to 29 percent believing a 10 percent cut was possible,
23 percent thought a 20 percent cut, 11 percent a 30 percent cut and
four percent each for a 40 or a 50 percent tax cut.

People of a more liberal bent continue to insist that the sales
tax is unfair and that average citizens believe in the present
graduated income tax. Gallup found this, too, was part of the economic
mythology of our times. Only 10 percent thought the property tax was
the fairest, 36 percent the income tax, but 43 percent approved the
sales tax as most fair.

Continuing on the theme, the fifth question asked respondents to
name the tax they most objected to. Income tax--federal, state and
local--tied with real estate tax at 31% each. Sales tax was 
objectionable to only 16%.

The poll indicated the correctness of the Founding Fathers in
wanting to keep government as much as possible at the local level.
When asked which level of government gave the most value for the tax
dollar, 22% said federal, 23% state and 35% local. When the poll
asked why local taxes have increased in the past few years, 34% gave
as a "very important" reason that people expect too many services from
local government. But 57% said money is spent on programs and services
that are not really needed, and 70% said too much money is spent on
overhead and administration.

One final question inquired as to whether the respondent's
community spent too much, too little or just the right amount on each
of a list of local services. The replies revealed general satisfaction
with those basic government services that bureaucrats all too often
treat as luxuries. Fire and police protection, public libraries and
sanitation were rated highest with regard to costing about the right
amount. They averaged 57%; only eight percent thought they cost too
much. 

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.

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