Fifty-five percent of likely voters would vote against the proposal to raise the severance tax on natural gas, according to a new Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll.

Here’s the breakdown:

Advertisement

28% Yes
55% No
17% Don’t Know

But here’s how the poll question was framed:

Q: A proposal to raise the severance tax on natural gas to 7% may be on the November ballot. The money from the increase would be used for highway and road construction and repairs, according to the proposal. Those opposed say the increase could reduce natural gas jobs in Arkansas’ Fayetteville Shale region. If the election were today, would you vote to raise the severance tax for this purpose?

That jobs line undoubtedly skewed the results a bit. Of course, with the money the Chamber and the natural gas lobby are putting towards defeating the measure, voters will certainly be familiar with that argument should it reach the ballot.

Advertisement

More heartening: The Regnant Populus measure that would change (for the better) Arkansas campaign and ethics law has broad support in the poll. If only it had the same big-money backers as the anti-severance tax camp.

Also considered: The half-cent sales tax for state highways. It got 41.5% yes, 50.5% no and 8% don’t know in the poll.

Advertisement

Hendrix professor and Times columnist Jay Barth helped design and analyze the poll. His takeaway on the highway tax:

“I think the question will be what kind of investment is made by the proponents of this measure, which was sent out by the legislature for a vote. It’s possible that a very ardent campaign for this could turn it around, but I think it’s a tough battle. Gov. Beebe could be a difference-maker. If he became publicly against this — based on the numbers we’ve seen for him — it would be really devastated.”

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article State Surgeon General Joe Thompson arrested Next article Let them eat slime