A growing number of Californians say they prefer lower taxes and fewer government services, according to a poll released June 12 by the Public Policy Institute of California, CalTax reported.

The survey found that 55% of respondents favor lower taxes and fewer services, up from 51% in February. Another 2% said they didn’t know. The results are consistent with previous PPIC polling, including a May 2024 survey in which 56% expressed support for fewer services if it meant paying less in taxes.

While the question is a recurring feature of PPIC’s surveys, the nonpartisan California Taxpayers Association noted that the relationship between taxes and services isn’t always direct: “Higher taxes do not always result in more services, nor do lower taxes necessarily result in fewer services,” the group said.

The poll also revealed broad skepticism about government spending. Ninety percent of Californians said the federal government wastes tax dollars, including 58% who believe it wastes “a lot.” That figure is slightly down from 95% in a similar poll last September. The most recent survey did not ask whether the state government wastes tax dollars, though 93% said so in September.

Californians identified the cost of living, economy, inflation, and jobs as the most pressing issues facing the state, cited by 37% of respondents. Housing costs followed at 15%, with government dysfunction at 10%.

On job performance, 54% said they disapprove of how Gov. Gavin Newsom is handling his role, compared to 44% who approve. Similarly, 57% disapproved of the state Legislature’s performance.

The poll, titled Californians and Their Government, surveyed 1,591 adult residents from May 22 to May 29 in English and Spanish. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

Read more at CalTax.