North Dakota Poll: Strong Support for Using Legacy Fund for Tax Relief, School Meals

A new poll by the North Dakota News Cooperative was showcased in an article by Michael Standaert, and it shows what North Dakotans think the state’s Legacy Fund should be used for. Most people support using the fund for tax relief and school meals, but oppose funding private school vouchers. Sixty-nine percent back additional property tax relief from the $12.5 billion fund, while 70% support universal school meals funding.

Fifty-eight percent oppose using Legacy Fund money for private school vouchers. The poll shows strong support – 72% – for Governor Armstrong’s property tax plan that increased residential credits and capped future increases at 3%.

While respondents want local control of property tax rates, former Governor Ed Schafer, who had a role in the creation of the fund, warns that using state money for local tax relief creates a contradiction. Most voters also oppose raising sales or income taxes to fund services if property taxes are reduced further.