Study Shows Support for State Sales Tax

Sixty-four percent of those surveyed in a USC/L.A. Times poll said they would support a quarter-cent sales tax for four years if the money were spent on public safety, community colleges, and public schools. Gov. Jerry Brown has submitted a petition for a ballot initiative that would do just that. It will go before voters in the November election. The measure would also increase income taxes on those who earn over $250,000 per year. The plan was supported by 75 percent of independents participating in the poll, which was jointly conducted by a Republican and Democratic firm.