A new Gallup survey out today shows a strong majority of Americans favor simplifying the tax code by lowering rates and closing loopholes (70%), saving our biggest entitlement programs (88%), and making needed spending cuts (72%). This is the framework for averting the fiscal cliff outlined by Speaker John Boehner and supported by a growing number of people on both sides of the aisle.

Less than half (47%) view the president’s call for raising tax rates – which will hurt small businesses and destroy jobs – as a top priority. That’s likely because the economy remains Americans’ top concern.

Ninety-five percent of those surveyed said it is “extremely important” for President Obama to “take major steps to restore a strong economy and job market.” But raising tax rates would hurt nearly one million small businesses – many of whom are already reeling from an onslaught of government red tape and laws like ObamaCare.

As Speaker Boehner said, “if there was a mandate in this election, it was a mandate to work together to do what’s in the best interest of our country” – not to raise tax rates. “And right now what’s best is getting our economy moving again and keeping it moving, so we can begin to restore our children’s future.”