GeorGia S State of the State. Poll. Costas Spirou, Ph.D. and Min Kim, Ph.D. Department of Government and Sociology Georgia College

Transcription

1 GeorGia S State of the State Poll Costas Spirou, Ph.D. and Min Kim, Ph.D. Department of Government and Sociology Georgia College

2 Contents 1 Introduction 3 Executive Summary 5 Overall Direction and Key Issues 9 Economy 13 Political Leadership 19 Government 23 Education 27 Health Care 31 Survey Methodology LIGHTHOUSE AT TYBEE ISLAND

3 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll Georgia s State of the State Poll (GSSP) is a statewide general survey of adults, age 18 and over, who are residents of the state of Georgia. The GSSP survey was conducted for the first time in spring of 214 and included a combination of community, governmental, economic and special topical issue questions. Demographic data (age, location, gender, race, education, political ideology and income) offers additional information. A central aspect of public policymaking is the need for relevant, timely and accurate information. The GSSP will make a significant contribution to effective planning by engaging the state s citizenry and increasing the understanding of various issues among policymakers and their constituents. The goals of the GSSP are to: Gain a better understanding of resident attitudes and perceptions on key social, economic and political issues; Educate Georgians about various issues facing the state; Contribute to a statewide conversation; and Inform current policy debates in order to improve the socioeconomic well-being of the state s residents. We would like to thank the Office of the Provost and the Office of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean for their support of this project. Several faculty in the Department of Government and Sociology offered feedback on an earlier version of the survey; Brandy Kennedy, Jason Rich, Claire Sanders and Clif Wilkinson. Johnny Grant, director of community engagement and economic development at Georgia College, contributed to this project by providing critical insights on the instrument and by sharing his deep understanding of key issues facing the state. Finally, we would like to thank Lauren Crapo, graduate student in the MPA program and Erin Crisp and Katherine Hendley, undergraduate students in the political science program, for their assistance with data analysis. Costas Spirou, Ph.D. and Min Kim, Ph.D. Department of Government and Sociology Georgia College 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 1

4 MORGAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 2

5 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll executive Summary The Department of Government and Sociology at Georgia College has conducted its first Georgia s State of the State Poll to find out about key issues facing the state and information about our political leaders. The survey was conducted by SSI, a national research leader in this area, from Feb. 5-18, 214. The margin of error for the weighted sample is +/- 4.4 percentage points. among the respondents, the key highlights are: Georgians are optimistic about the direction of the state. Jobs, education and health care are the three most important issues facing the state. For minority residents, the issues of race and immigration are additional concerns. Georgians do not expect significant changes in the economy during the coming year and would like to see greater effort on the economic development front. Gov. Nathan Deal (Republican) and former Gov.Roy Barnes (Democrat) are the two politicians Georgians trust most. The majority of Georgians are greatly dissatisfied with public education and would be willing to invest more money to improve the system. Democrats have a slight advantage over Republicans to lead the state in the next four years. A little over half of Georgians blame both the executive and legislative branches of government in Washington, D.C. for the recent federal shutdown (Oct. 1-16, 213), followed by the president, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. A strong majority of Georgians oppose the use of public funds to support professional stadium facilities (e.g. Atlanta Falcons/Atlanta Braves). Over half of Georgians oppose the decision to decline Medicaid expansion. Most Georgians strongly oppose the ObamaCare: Affordable Care Act. One-third of Georgians report being impacted by recent cuts in state programs and services, with women being most affected. Georgians support the deepening of the Savannah Port. 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 3

6 UPPER DESOTO FALLS IN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 4

7 overall Direction and Key issues 6 State s Direction More than half (51.3%) of Georgians think that the state is moving in the Right Direction, with 33.9% indicating that the state is moving in the Wrong Direction Right Direction Wrong Direction Most important issue The most important issues facing the state are Jobs (37.9%), Education (23.7%) and Health Care (14.1%). Residents from the middle part of the state report the highest concern with Jobs (4.7%) and Education (35.4%). Men report a greater concern with Jobs (45.4%) as do women (32.5%). Women also report great concern with Education (27.7%). African- Americans also rank Racism (12.7%) higher, while Hispanics report Racism (14.5%), Immigration (1.5%) and Health Care (23.9%) as key issues Jobs 23.7 Education 14.1 Health Care 4.3 Immigration 5.5 Crime 4.5 Racism 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 5

8 Most important issue South 5 Middle North Metro Atlanta 2 1 Jobs Education Health Care Immigration Crime Racism Men Women Jobs Education Health Care Immigration Crime Racism White African-American Hispanic 2 1 Jobs Education Health Care Immigration Crime Racism 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 6

9 THE OLD GOVERNOR S MANSION, GEORGIA COLLEGE 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 7

10 ATLANTA SKYLINE 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 8

11 economy Georgians believe that a year 5 from now the state s economy will be in about the Same 4 Condition (42.5%); will be better (35.7%); will get Worse (17.1%). Almost a fourth (22.7%), express 3 Strong Dissatisfaction with the economic development efforts taking place in their area. Just % express Strong Satisfaction. Among all Racial/Ethnic groups, African- 1 Americans report the greatest level of overall Dissatisfaction with such efforts (64.%) Worse economy a year from now 42.5 About the Same 35.7 Better 4.6 economic Development efforts Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatified Very Dissatisfied 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 9

12 economic Development efforts White African- American Hispanic Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatified Very Dissatisfied Regarding the use of public funds to support professional stadium facilities (new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons/Atlanta Braves), 76.2% of respondents oppose such action, while 19.% support this type of public investment. Public Funding for Professional Stadiums Yes No 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 1

13 Savannah Port Deepening Georgians are in support (56.3%) of the Savannah Port deepening project Yes No SAVANNAH 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 11

14 STARR'S MILL, A HISTORIC LANDMARK NEAR ATLANTA 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 12

15 Political leadership Among Republican politicians, Georgians trust Nathan Deal (16.7%), Casey Cagle (13.8%) and Saxby Chambliss (13.2%) the most. Those that declare themselves as Liberal trust Cagle (13.9%), Deal (13.1%) and Chambliss (12.9%). Those that declare themselves as Moderate trust Cagle (21.1%), Deal (12.3%) and Isakson (11.8%). Those that declare themselves as Conservative trust Deal (2.1%), Chambliss (15.4%) and Cagle (12.6%). Deal is the most trusted Republican politician among both women (15.5%) and men (18.4%). 5 Most Trusted republican Nathan Deal Johnny Isakson Saxby Chambliss Jack Kingston Casey Cagle Liberal Moderate Conservative Nathan Deal Johnny Iskason Saxby Chambliss Casey Cagle 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 13

16 Most Trusted republican Women Men Nathan Deal Johnny Iskason Saxby Chambliss Casey Cagle Among Democrat politicians, Georgians trust Roy Barnes (2.1%), John Lewis (11.9%) and Kassim Reed (9.1%) the most. Those that declare themselves as Conservative trust Barnes (23.5%); Reed (9.4%) and Lewis (5.9%). Those that declare themselves as Moderate trust Barnes (22.8%), Lewis (21.2%) and Reed (8.9%). Those that declare themselves as Liberal trust Lewis (2.1%), Jason Carter (19.%) and Barnes (13.4%). Barnes is the most trusted Democrat politician among women (23.1%) and Lewis among men (16.4%). Most Trusted Democrat Jason Carter Kassim Reed Michele Nunn John Lewis Roy Barnes 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 14

17 Most Trusted Democrat Liberal Moderate Conservative Jason Carter Kassim Reed John Lewis Roy Barnes Most Trusted Democrat Women Men Jason Carter Kassim Reed John Lewis Roy Barnes 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 15

18 Georgians trust Democrats (4.2%) and Republicans (36.9%) to lead the state over the next four years. Women trust Democrats (45.9%) while men trust Republicans (4.6%). African-Americans trust Democrats (77.9%) and whites trust Republicans (51.1%). 5 Party to lead State Next Four Years Republican Democrat Other Party Party to lead State Next Four Years Women Men Republican Democrat Other Party 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 16

19 Party to lead State Next Four Years White African-American Hispanic Republican Democrat Other Party Most (5.4%) of Georgians hold the executive and legislative branches of government in Washington, D.C. responsible for the recent federal shutdown (Oct. 1-16, 213). Next, they hold responsible the President (2.6%); U.S. Senate (16%); U.S. House (13.%). Whites consider the president to be responsible for the federal shutdown (29.%), with just 1.8% of African-Americans feeling the same way. responsible for Federal Shutdown White African- American Hispanic President 16 U.S. Senate 13 U.S. House All President U.S. Senate U.S. House All 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 17

20 GEORGIA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 18

21 Government Georgians trust about equally the various levels of government (Federal, State, County, City). The level of trust toward the Federal government among Liberals is 43.1%, while for Conservatives is just 18.1%. African- Americans (39.4%) and Hispanics (52.6%) report the highest levels of satisfaction with the Federal Government Most Trusted level of Government Federal State County City Most Trusted level of Government Liberal Moderate Conservative Federal State County City 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 19

22 Most Trusted level of Government White African- American Hispanic Federal State County City Georgians report that the County/City level of government (36.8%) provides them with the greatest return on their tax investment, followed by the Federal Government (33.%) and the State Government (2.8%). Greatest return on Tax investment Federal State County/City 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 2

23 Regarding cuts in state programs and services, 66.7% of Georgians indicate that they have not been impacted by these actions. On the other hand, 31.1% report a direct impact of these cuts on their household. More women (34.9%) than men (25.7%) report that their households have being impacted by these cuts. 8 impact of State Cuts Yes No impact of State Cuts Women Men Yes No 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 21

24 BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 22

25 education Only 9% of Georgians report Strong Satisfaction with public education with 24.1% conveying Strong Dissatisfaction. Under half (4.3%) report that they are Satisfied with public education. The greatest level of dissatisfaction with public education comes from South Georgia area residents (35.3%) Public education Satisfaction Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Public education Satisfaction North Middle South Metro Atlanta Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 23

26 When asked to consider paying more taxes to provide better educational opportunities for children, 53.5% indicate willingness to do so, while 44.3% would not pay more taxes. Both women (54.3%) and men (52.5%) would be willing to pay more in taxes to support education. African-Americans (72.7%) and Hispanics (84.4%) indicate the greatest level of willingness to pay more taxes to provide better educational opportunities for children. Pay More to improve Public Schools Yes No Pay More to improve Public Schools Women Men Yes No 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 24

27 Pay More to improve Public Schools Yes No White African-American Hispanic NORTH GEORGIA WINE COUNTRY 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 25

28 CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 26

29 Health Care Georgians report disagreement (59.6%) with the decision to decline Medicaid expansion. The disagreement is higher among women (64.9%) than men (52.1%) and among African-Americans (82.9%) than Whites (51.1%). Decision to Decline Medicaid expansion Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Decision to Decline Medicaid Women Men Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 27

30 Decision to Decline Medicaid White African-American Hispanic Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Georgians Strongly Oppose (41.%) the ObamaCare: Affordable Care Act with 25.9% Strongly Favoring the Act. Men are more likely to Strongly Oppose the Act (45.6%) than women (37.8%). While African-Americans Strongly Favor (58.8%) the Act, whites Strongly Oppose (57.6%) the Act. obamacare: affordable Care act approval Strongly Favor Favor Oppose Strongly Oppose 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 28

31 obamacare: affordable Care act approval Women Men Strongly Favor Favor Oppose Strongly Oppose obamacare: affordable Care act approval White African-American Hispanic Strongly Favor Favor Oppose 3.5 Strongly Oppose Georgia s State of the State Poll 29

32 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 3

33 Survey Methodology The 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll was a telephone survey of randomly selected adults in the state of Georgia. Five hundred (5) Georgia adults were interviewed by landline and cellular telephone between Feb. 5 and Feb. 18, 214. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 4.4%. This survey was conducted through the use of Random Digit Dialing (RDD). A sample of households in the area was selected via random digit dialing. The random sample used in the 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll was provided by SSI. SSI screens each selected telephone number to eliminate non-working numbers, disconnected numbers, and business numbers to improve the efficiency of the sample, reducing the amount of time interviewers spend calling non-usable numbers. Each of these randomly generated telephone numbers is contacted by one of SSI interviewers. This selection process ensures that every adult (18 years of age or older) in the household has an equally likely chance of being included in the survey. Interviews were completed with 5 randomly selected adults in Georgia from a sample of 12,725 randomly selected telephone numbers. The data have been weighted to account for known biases of telephone surveys. The results presented here have been weighted to reflect current population demographics as reflected in the most recent available Census data. The data in the 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll are weighted by the number of adults to equalize the chances that any one adult would be selected for inclusion. The data are also weighted by respondent sex, age and race. In addition to providing results for the state as a whole, some findings also are broken down by the four major regions of the state: North, Middle, South and Atlanta metropolitan area. The map illustrates the counties in each region. 214 Georgia s State of the State Poll 31

34 GEORGIA S State of the State P OLL For more information about Georgia s State of the State Poll (GSSP) please contact: Costas Spirou, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Department of Government and Sociology Georgia College Milledgeville, GA costas.spirou@gcsu.edu