Washington Poll: Majority inclined to support sales tax hike

A new poll shows that 64 percent of Washington voters are likely to support a temporary sales tax increase to mitigate cuts to education and social services.

The Seattle Times reports that the Elway Research sampling found 43 percent of respondents were "certainly willing" and 21 percent were "probably willing" to back a tax hike proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire. The governor wants the Legislature to place a ballot measure before voters, asking for a temporary, half-cent sales tax increase.

The Elway Poll of 408 voters was taken Nov. 21-22.The margin of error was plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Lawmakers are gathering in Olympia Monday for the start of a special session to deal with a projected $1.4 billion deficit.