As Congress wrestles with how to avoid the imminent fiscal cliff, a poll finds that Massachusetts voters strongly favor increased taxes on the rich, less corporate welfare and no cuts in social security, Medicare or Medicaid.

"I think that this survey really gives us a clear view of voters expectations of their elected officials," said Jason Stephany of MassUniting, a sel-described coalition of "community groups, neighborhoods, faith organizations and workers advocating for good jobs, corporate accountability."

MassUniting conducted the poll along with Public Policy Polling. It was conducted from Nov. 27-29 and included 638 Massachusetts voters. 

"Essentially, the big thing that this poll tells us is that this election was not a fluke or a one-off thing," Jim Williams of Public Policy Polling said.

The top priorities for Massachusetts voters continue to be "job creation, deficit reduction and affordable health care," he added.

Massachuset communities are facing some challenging fiscal times in the coming months. Gov. Deval Patrick recently announced actual state revenues were significantly lower than projections, resulting in a $540 million budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2013.

As a result, the governor announced he will be implementing $225 million in immediate budget cuts, some of which may impact Tewksbury.

He has also asked the Legislature to expand his authority, allowing him to make an immediate, across the board, one percent cut in state aid for FY13. In the case of Tewksbury, which has been slated to receive roughly $15.5 million in education and municipal aid this year, it would mean the loss of approximately $150,000.

MassUniting claims that by strong margins, their poll shows voters support raising revenue rather than cutting services. When asked whether those making more than $250,000 should pay more in taxes, 61 percent said yes.

When asked if Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid should be cut, 73 percent said no. Upward of 77 percent support eliminating oil subsidies and corporate tax loopholes, and 76 percent said Congress should pass meaningful legislation to support job creation. 

And if Congress doesn't reach an agreement, a plurality of Bay State voters—42 percent—would blame Republicans. But Democrats wouldn't entire escape blame; 28 percent would blame the Dems and 27 percent of those polled said both parties would be equally to blame.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.