The latest Field Poll shows a vast majority of Californians are strongly opposed to cutting healthcare programs as a means to balancing the state's budget. Yet that's exactly what the governor is proposing. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Governor Schwarzenegger wants to make a number of cuts to Medi-Cal and other healthcare programs for the poor. The Field Poll shows nearly eight out of ten California voters oppose such cuts. Poll director Mark Di Camillo says a vast majority support higher taxes to avoid cutting healthcare spending.
Di Camillo: And the most popular types of tax increases would be increasing the state tobacco tax, 75 percent favored that. Another 75 percent favored increasing the state alcohol tax.
Di Camillo says most people would also rather raise taxes on the wealthy than cut healthcare services. Republican lawmakers say they won't approve any tax hikes.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
