Economy is the most import issue facing Washington State residents
In September the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center and Washington State University began conducting a general survey of Washington State residents. The purpose of the study is to obtain the opinions of Washington residents regarding current social and economic issues they are facing.
Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,354 Washington State residents between September 8 and November 19, 2008. The overall margin of error is ±3.5%. The survey was weighted by gender to reflect the state’s population.
Washington State residents were asked which area of services should receive the highest priority for tax dollars. The highest priority for 31% is K through 12 schools, followed by economic development and jobs (22%), health care (15%), reducing taxes (6%), roads (6%), the environment (4%), higher education (4%), and social welfare (4%).
However in the last three months there has been a change in this trend. K through 12 education went from a priority of 34% in September to a priority for 30% in November. While economic development and jobs saw an increase, 19% felt it was a priority in September to 28% indicating it was a priority in November. These trends may continue to change as data is collected through the end of November.
General Comments
“The list that you read about the highest priority for taxes: it's very hard to choose the top priority for taxes because they're all very important. And choosing one makes it seem like they are not important, but they are.”
“Because this is geared to this state I said road congestion but my biggest concern over all for the country is the economy. It's free-falling. As serious as I think transportation and roads are in Washington, I think economy is the biggest problem over all. I hope it can be turned around. It's affecting so many people in the country. It's affected me, which I'd never expected.”
The Washington State Issues Survey is conducted by the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center at Washington State University. The survey monitors the opinions of Washington State residents on a variety of social and economic issues. For more information about the survey contact SESRC at 509-335-1511 or www.sesrc.wsu.edu.
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