'Rain tax' vs. 'stormwater fee' -- polls show phrasing matters

摘要

As Maryland's General Assembly debates a disputed fee to finance Chesapeake Bay cleanup plans, they're also arguing over what to call it. Supporters prefer the phrase "stormwater fee," while opponents, like Gov. Larry Hogan (R), have another name -- "rain tax." The fees, mandated by the state three years ago, require Baltimore City and Maryland's nine largest counties to levy fees on residents and businesses to finance efforts to control polluted runoff. One recent poll showed how word choice can influence voters' views. The poll by OpinionWorks found half of the 594 voters surveyed said they think residents will be taxed "for the rain that falls on their rooftops and driveways."