Using a statewide random sample of over 900 respondents, attitudes toward taxing and spending are examined in order to try to explain the seeming paradox of a public that wants more spending but less taxation. We investigate the possibility that the public which wants more spending is willing to pay for it by means other than taxes, such as through reallocation or increased nontax revenue. Moderate support for this expectation is found. Overall, the desire fora “free lunch” is not as widespread as a simple comparison of taxing and spending preferences suggests.