The Hiller Instinct: 7News-Suffolk Poll: Taxachusetts?

At the State House, the "T" word is the key word. But while the governor promises to veto any tax hike, and legislative leaders say new taxes are off the table, Massachusetts voters don't believe it.

When we asked, "Do you think the state will raise taxes later this year?" 47 percent said yes, 40 percent no and 13 percent were undecided.

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"It means that people are being honest with themselves, that taxes will be raised, and Mitt Romney will benefit from that, because Mitt Romney doesn't have to raise taxes, the legislature will."

We found surprising support for new revenues in our exclusive poll. When asked if the state should raise taxes or reduce services, 48 percent said raise taxes, 32 percent reduce services, 19 percent both or undecided.

Drilling deeper into our state of mind, we learned the programs state voters want to protect most are Medicaid benefits and education and that their top options for savings are reducing lottery pay-outs and selling state owned land and property. We also discovered the most acceptable tax hike would be a boost in the state income tax.

Asked if they'd support a five percent increase in the state income tax, 48 percent said yes, 47 percent no, with five percent undecided.

Prof. David Paleologos
"This question cuts on gender. Women want this tax increase, the five percent tax increase, and they are driving this question to be as close as it is."

And who do voters blame for the state's fiscal crisis? More than any politician, they say it's the flat economy.