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Nearly 80 percent of Texas Republicans say following social distancing measures should lead to businesses reopening. | stock photo

Research group poll: Texas Republicans oppose higher taxes due to shortfall

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Texas Republicans do not want to increase taxes to cover the impact on the economy due to COVID-19, according to a survey performed by Remington Research Group.

The survey polled 1,224 likely voters in the 2020 general election. The survey was weighted to match the demographics of expected turnout, the methodology notes.

"Remington Research Group conducted a statewide survey among likely Republican and Democratic voters on issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic," the survey noted. "The survey asked a wide range of questions related to the pandemic."

The survey found that only 4 percent of Republicans think the government should increase taxes to make up for the shortfall and economic decline caused by the coronavirus. It found that 67 percent of Republicans think a reduction in government will solve the problem and 29 percent of Republicans aren't sure.

The survey also questioned if voters are able to successfully work from home and the results were similar with 36 percent of Republicans answering yes and 64 percent answering no.

When asked who should make the decision on when Texans return to work, Republicans voted 25 percent for politicians, 7 percent for bureaucrats, 52 percent for Texans and 16 percent not sure, the poll found.

The survey also found that 40 percent of Republicans believe the government should remain closed while 50 percent of Republicans believe the government should reopen. 

When asked about social distancing and other protocols in place, 79 percent of Republicans said that if those protocols are followed, businesses should be allowed to reopen. Only 15 percent of Republicans said no to that question and 6 percent were unsure.

The survey found that 91 percent of Republicans believe doctors should be allowed to continue treating patients in need of medical procedures if those procedures don't affect COVID-19 patients, while 6 percent want the treatments to remain banned. 

McKenzie Taylor with The Texan News tweeted the results, which Ben Shapiro shared. Shapiro noted that the only statistic that really mattered in the poll was regarding social distancing and businesses opening back up.

The Texas Republican Party did not return requests for comment.

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