Punchbowl News is out with a story on how the reconciliation bill before the Senate polls poorly. The DC media loves to throw shade at the BBB. Something that definitely polls well is extending the TCJA’s policies benefiting Main Street businesses.

As last month’s Winston Group poll found:

From the electorate’s perspective, government spending is by far the bigger problem than not enough revenue coming from taxes (70-21). Independent voters also see spending as the larger problem at 68-20. Inflation is still a major concern, with almost half the electorate (49%) believing that inflation is getting worse, rather than better (30%) or not changing (18%).

Given this economic outlook, voters are opposed to a tax increase in this environment: With the country still dealing with inflation, now is not the time to raise taxes (62-25 believe-do not believe). This belief is even higher among conservative Republicans (71-17) and Republicans (68-20). Independents also believe this 58-27.

So it’s no surprise that the tax provisions that support Main Street businesses remain broadly popular. Voters know these policies work and have seen firsthand the way they benefit countless communities nationwide. Efforts to extend these provisions aren’t just good policy; they’re good politics too.

Another thing voters support? Leveling the playing field between pass-throughs and C corporations when it comes to SALT:

  • 82 percent agree that pass-throughs should be treated the same as corporations when it comes to deducting these taxes;
  • 68 percent of voters support allowing small and family-owned businesses to deduct SALT as a business expense;
  • Nearly two-thirds said eliminating the deduction would cause more businesses to fail; and
  • 71 percent said Main Street businesses should be using that revenue to raise wages and provide benefits—not send it to Washington.

These are not small majorities. They reflect a clear and consistent message: Voters want tax parity, not new burdens on Main Street businesses.

The goal of reconciliation should be to make pro-growth tax policies permanent, not to punish pass-throughs with complex rules and hidden tax increases. Main Street has weathered enough challenges in recent years. This is the moment to give them the certainty they need to grow and thrive.