Most members of the Senate Finance Committee were relieved this week to find that their health care reform plan will cost under $900 billion over the next 10 years and is actually projected to bring the federal deficit down by $81 billion.

But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most voters continue to favor middle class tax cuts over spending more money for health care reform.

Thirty-three percent (33%) of voters say new spending for health care reform is more important. But 54% rate middle class tax cuts as the priority over more health care spending. Thirteen percent (13%) aren’t sure.

These findings are identical to ones just before Congress’ August recess and prior to President Obama’s effort to jump start his health care reform initiative with a nationally televised speech to Congress.

Although such an amendment was defeated in a party line vote in the Senate committee, 59% of voters favor putting a provision in the health care plan that would prohibit any new taxes, fees or penalties on families who make less than $250,000 a year.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

Only 29% of voters are willing to pay higher taxes so all Americans can be provided with health insurance.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) are opposed to paying more in taxes to provide universal health care, up five points since May. Twelve percent (12%) aren’t sure.

It’s unclear what the impact on middle-class taxpayers will be from any health care reform bill that emerges from Congress, although the Senate Finance Committee bill, despite its price tag, is expected to leave more than 20 million Americans still uninsured by 2019.

However, 55% of voters oppose a provision already in the plan that requires young and healthy Americans to either buy health insurance or pay a $750 annual penalty for not having it.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Republicans and 58% of voters not affiliated with either major party favor middle-class tax cuts over new spending for health care reform. Fifty-two percent (52%) of Democrats disagree and say new health care spending is more important.

Similarly, 79% of GOP voters and 64% of unaffiliateds are unwilling to pay higher taxes so all Americans can be provided with health insurance. Democrats are more closely divided, with the plurality (46%) supporting higher taxes to help pay for universal health care.

Forty-six percent (46%) of all voters now favor the health care reform plan proposed by the president and congressional Democrats. That’s up five points from a week earlier and, with the exception of “bounces” following a couple of nationally televised presidential appearances, is the first time support for the congressional health care effort has risen. Fifty percent (50%) are still opposed to the plan.

Rasmussen Reports is tracking support for the plan on a weekly basis.

While voters have concerns about the details of the plan being considered in Congress, 54% of voters believe major changes are needed in the health care system. Sixty-one percent (61%) say it’s important for Congress to pass health care reform this year, but most would prefer a series of smaller reforms rather than a comprehensive approach.

Only 10% of voters now expect their taxes to go down during the Obama presidency. Forty-seven percent (47%) say their taxes will go up, and 36% think they will stay the same.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) say it is at least somewhat likely that taxes will be raised on the middle class to cover the cost of health care reform. Fifty-six percent (56%) say it’s very likely.

Sixty percent (60%) of voters say tax increases hurt the economy, a fairly consistent finding for over a decade. Fifty-five percent (55%) say tax cuts help the economy.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it’s free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs and are available to Premium Members.