Big political divide on proposals to raise taxes on wealthy

Public concern over the debt and deficit, already extensive, is only likely to increase as the so-called “fiscal cliff” approaches at the end of the year. Yet among a dozen specific options for reducing the debt and deficit, only two win majority approval from the public –- raising taxes on annual incomes over $250,000 (64% approve) and limiting corporate tax deductions (58%). In contrast, a new survey from Pew Research Center states, cuts to education are especially unpopular. Fully 75% of respondents disapprove of reducing federal education funding and 61% oppose cuts in funding for student loans.