Senate Battleground Poll Shows Popularity Of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
Today, Plymouth Union Public Research released a poll from the nine Senate Battlegrounds that revealed voters’ support for enhanced premium tax credits (eAPTCs). The poll showed that a candidate who supported the now-expired credits nets +62 (69% more likely to support, 7% less likely). A candidate who let them expire nets -24 (26% more likely, 50% less likely), and the penalty is steepest with Independent voters at -33.
The question of whether to extend the eAPTCs was one of the fiercest debates in Congress last year, driving the fall government shutdown. Vulnerable Republicans, along with others like Sen. Thom Tillis, called for extending them, and 17 House Republicans later joined Democrats to attempt to pass a three-year extension in January. But the credits expired, and Democrats are now using the issue to attack the GOP. It's breaking through, with 42% of voters in the Senate battlegrounds saying they have seen, read, or heard advertising about the expired credits.
Reinstating the eAPTCs is supported by 74% of general election voters in Senate battlegrounds, as 86% says that healthcare costs matter to their vote. Additionally, general elections voters also blame Republicans over Democrats by more than 2 to 1 (52-25) for the credits not being extended. Additionally, more advertising of the issues increased blame on Republicans from 49% to 68% among voters who have seen a lot or some advertising on the issue.
Here are some the other key takeaways from the poll:
Three in four voters say healthcare got more expensive over the past year. Majorities of Republican back reinstatement of the eAPTCs and call the expiration a mistake.
75% saw their healthcare costs increase in the past year, including 66% of Republicans, 76% of Independents, and 83% of Democrats
74% favor instating the credits, including 64% of Republicans, 70% of Independents, and 88% of Democrats
71% of voters believe Congress should have extended the credits, including 61% of Republicans, 73% of Independents and 82% of Democrats.
When asked who is responsible for letting the tax credit expire, blame tilts toward Republicans over Democrats. - 54%/26%. Independents blame Republicans 51-17, and Republicans blame their own party 43-35. Republican blame holds at +20 or more in every region.
When respondents saw some advertising on the issue, blame for Republicans increased from 49% to 68%.
