KAET-ASU Poll

Contact Dr. Bruce Merrill (480) 965-7051
Can be used after 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2003

ARIZONANS SUPPORT TAX INCREASES TO SUPPORT EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES, CHILD CARE FOR WORKING PARENTS, AND THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN

SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS LAGS

A new statewide poll of registered voters conducted by KAET-TV/Channel 8 and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University found strong support for education, medical services for the working poor, and the needs of children even if taxes have to be raised. Seventy-two percent (72%) of all registered voters say they would definitely support an initiative to raise taxes slightly to make sure children in Arizona receive adequate food, medical care, and education. Sixteen percent (16%) said they might be supportive, 8% were opposed and 4% had no opinion.

Two-thirds of Arizona voters (66%) say they would support an initiative to raise their taxes to make sure low-income working families who cannot afford medical insurance receive adequate medical care. Twenty percent (20%) might be supportive, 8% were opposed and 6% had no opinion.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of those interviewed would vote for a plan to help parents afford quality child care while they work. Twenty percent (20%) might be supportive, 22% would probably not be supportive and 7% had no opinion.

The need to fix the Arizona education system continues to receive strong support. Seventy-two percent (72%) of those interviewed would vote to raise the salaries of public school teachers, 69% would vote to provide funds to repair and upgrade public school buildings in Arizona, and 57% would vote to fund early childhood education so all kids would come to school ready to learn.

The statewide poll of 559 registered voters conducted February 20 - 23, 2003, has a sampling error of plus or minus 4.1%. Fifty-one percent (51%) of those interviewed were female, 49% male. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the interviews were conducted in Maricopa County, 18% in Pima County and 25% in the less populated counties. The sample was 44% Republican, 36% Democrat and 20% independent.

Wording of questions: In the next election, several initiatives may be on the ballot that could raise taxes slightly. Please tell me if you would definitely support, might support, or probably not support the following propositions.

Q1. Increase funding to make sure children in Arizona receive adequate food, medical care and education.

Q2. Increase salaries for public school teachers in grades K thru 12.

Q3. Make sure low income working families who cannot afford medical insurance get the medical care they need.

Q4. Provide support for the fine arts such museums, symphonies, dance and theater groups.

Q5. Fund early childhood pre-school education so all kids come to school ready to learn.

Q6. Help parents afford quality child care while they work.

Q7. Provide funds to repair and upgrade public school buildings in Arizona.

KAET-TV is a part of Arizona State University