A just-released opinion survey shows that 59% of respondents think improving the nation’s infrastructure should be a top priority for President Biden and members of Congress.
The survey, conducted by the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, additionally shows that 87% of responding Democrats said they wanted infrastructure legislation to focus on funding for road, bridges, and ports, with 79% of responding Republicans agreeing.
The survey also found that vast majorities of respondents identifying with both parties were in favor of funding for water system and electric grid infrastructure spending.
Democratic respondents were far more likely at 61% to support funding for public transit projects, with only 42% of Republicans agreeing.
A greater gap between the two parties was seen in the support levels for funding the construction of electric vehicle charging stations, with 45% of the identifying Democrats indicating support, and 23% of the Republicans.
A separate party divide was seen on the question of who should pay for the country’s infrastructure projects with 89% of the Democrats in favor of raising taxes on corporations, and 43% of the Republicans.
The idea of raising taxes on households making more than $400,000 a year won the support of 84% of the Democrats, and only 40% of the Republicans.
A vote on a bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure proposal is expected to be taken early next week in the Senate.
By Garry Boulard
