1981 FLORIDA ANNUAL POLICY SURVEY
SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
POLICY SCIENCES PROGRAM
FLORIDA STATE
UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 1981
First, I would like to ask you about the quality of life in Florida.
1. Overall, how would you rate Florida as a place to live - excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. DK
Now I'd like to ask your opinion on economic conditions in general…
2. We are interested in how people are getting along financially these days. Would you say that you (and your family) are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?
1. Better
2. Same
3. Worse
8. DK
3. Now looking ahead -- do you think that a year from now you (and your family) will be better off financially or worse off or just about the same as now?
1. Better
2. Same
3. Worse
8. DK
4. Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole -- do you think that during the next 12 months we'll have good times financially, or bad times, or what?
(READ CATEGORIES)
1. Good times
2. Good w/qualifications
3. Pro-con
4. Bad w/qualifications
8. DK
5. Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely -- that the country as a whole will have continuous good times in the next five years or so, or that we will have bad times with periods of widespread unemployment or depression?
(READ CATEGORIES)
1. Good times
2. Good w/qualifications
3. Pro-con
4. Bad w/qualifications
8. DK
6. Now I'm going to ask you some questions about the big things people buy. Do you think now is a good time or a bad time for people to:
v8 a. Buy major household items such as furniture, refrigerator, television and things like that
1. Good
2. Pro-con
3. Bad
8. DK
v9 b. Buy a house
1. Good
2. Pro-con
3. Bad
8. DK
v10 c. Buy a car
1. Good
2. Pro-con
3. Bad
8. DK
Here are a few questions about recreational activities.
7. Did you do any saltwater fishing in Florida in 1980?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
8. Did anyone else in your household do any saltwater fishing in 1980?
0. No (Skip to Q. 10)
8. DK (Skip to Q. 10)
a. IF YES ASK: How many other people 12 years or older did this, excluding yourself?
9. Are any of these people [Is this person]…………… between 12 and 17 years of age?
0. No
8. DK
a. IF YES ASK: How many?
10. Next, would you please evaluate how well your government and public officials are doing their jobs?
(READ OPTIONS AFTER QUESTIONS AS NECESSARY)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
8=DK
v14 a. How would you rate the job Jimmy Carter did as president?
1 2 3 4 8
v15 b. How would you rate the job Ronald Reagan is doing as president?
1 2 3 4 8
v16 c. The job the US Congress is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v17 d. How would you rate the job Bob Graham is doing as governor?
1 2 3 4 8
v18 e. The job the Florida legislature in Tallahassee is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v19 f. And how about the job your local government is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
11. How much of the time do you think you can trust the state government in Tallahassee to do what is right - just about always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?
1. Always
2. Most of the time
3. Some of the time
4. Never
8. DK
12. How much of the time do you think you can trust the national government in Washington to do what is right - just about always, most of the time, some of the time, or never?
1. Always
2. Most of the time
3. Some of the time
4. Never
8. DK
Now I would like to ask you a few questions about politics.
13. Some people seem to follow what's going on in government and public affairs most of the time, and others aren't that interested. Would you say that your are very interested, somewhat interested, a little interested, or not at all interested in what is going on in politics?
1. Very interested
2. Somewhat interested
3. A little interested
4. Not at all
8. DK
14. In general, how interested are you in national government and politics—very interested, somewhat interested, a little interested, or not at all interested?
1. Very interested
2. Somewhat interested
3. A little interested
4. Not at all
8. DK
15. How interested are you in state government and politics-- very, somewhat, a little, or not at all interested?
1. Very interested
2. Somewhat interested
3. A little interested
4. Not at all
8. DK
16. And how interested are you in local government and politics-- very, somewhat, a little, or not at all interested?
1. Very interested
2. Somewhat interested
3. A little interested
4. Not at all
8. DK
17. Where do you get most of your information about national government and politics? From newspapers, television, radio, magazines, or from friends and acquaintances?
(PROBE: From which of these would you say you get the most information?)
1. Newspapers
2. Television
3. Radio
4. Magazines
5. Friends
6. Other
8. DK
18. Where do you get most of your information about state government and politics?
(READ OPTIONS)
(PROBE: From which of these would you say you get the most information?)
1. Newspapers
2. Television
3. Radio
4. Magazines
5. Friends
6. Other
8. DK
19. And where do you get most of your information about local government and politics?
(READ OPTIONS)
(PROBE: From which of these would you say you get the most information?)
1. Newspapers
2. Television
3. Radio
4. Magazines
5. Friends
6. Other
8. DK
20. I would like your opinion on a few political issues. Some people really don't have an opinion on some of these matters. If you have no opinion on the subject, please tell me and we can skip to the next question.
1=Favor
2=Other/Depends
3=Oppose
7=No interest
8=DK
Do you favor or oppose…
v29 a. Constructing more nuclear power plants in Florida?
1 2 3 7 8
v30 b. Paying government workers about what they would make at similar jobs in private industry?
1 2 3 7 8
v31 c. Having the state government carry more of the load in financing public schools?
1 2 3 7 8
v32 d. Raising the pay of Florida university professors to match salaries at the nation's best public universities.
1 2 3 7 8
v33 e. The Equal Rights Amendment (or ERA) to the Constitution which would give women equal rights and equal responsibilities?
1 2 3 7 8
21. And what do you think are the most important problems facing the state of Florida?
(PROBE: Are there any other problems?)
(CODE UP TO 2 MENTIONS, CODE ANSWERS VERBATIM)
22. Now I'm going to read you some statements containing two opposing ideas that people have mentioned to us. Some people are not interested in either of them. If you are not interested in either, please tell me and we will go to the next question
a. Some people say the state government should adopt strong laws to reduce energy consumption in Florida. Others say that energy conservation should be left to each citizen. Which do you think?
1. Strong laws
2. Other/depends
3. Leave to citizens
7. No interest
8. DK
b. Some people say that we must use the cheapest fuels to produce electricity, even if it increases air pollution. Others feel that we should permit no more pollution even if it means we'll pay more for electricity. Which do you think?
1. Cheapest fuels
2. Other/depends
3. No more pollution
7. No interest
8. DK
c. Some people say that the state should reserve some gasoline for tourists, so that they will come to Florida. Others say that Florida residents should have the first claim on gasoline, even if it hurts tourism. Which do you think?
1. Reserve for tourists
2. Other/depends
3. Residents first
7. No interest
8. DK
d. Some people think that state and local taxes should be reduced even if public services have to be cut. Others say we need these public services even if it means paying the same taxes. Which do you think?
1. Reduce taxes
2. Other/depends
3. Maintain services
7. No interest
8. DK
e. Some people say that each Florida legislative district should have only one representative. Others prefer the present system in which several representatives may represent the same district. Which do you think?
1. One representative
2. Other/depends
3. Present system
7. No interest
8. DK
f. Some say existing government regulations of business are necessary. Others say government regulation of business ought to be eliminated. Which do you think?
1. Government Regulation
2. Other/depends
3. Eliminate regulation
8. DK
23. I would like your opinion on a few more issues. Some people really don't have an opinion on some of these matters. If you have no opinion on the subject, please tell me and we can skip to the next question.
1=Favor
2=Other/Depends
3=Oppose
7=No interest
8=DK
Do you favor or oppose…
v42 a. Permitting more refugees from Cuba and Haiti to enter Florida?
1 2 3 7 8
v43 b. Increasing the tax on gasoline to provide needed revenues for road maintenance and
construction?
1 2 3 7 8
v44 c. The death penalty for persons convicted of murder?
1 2 3 7 8
v45 d. Making the racial balance in each public school in your county come close to the district
average?
1 2 3 7 8
v46 e. Strict enforcement of the 55 MPH speed limit on highways?
1 2 3 7 8
v47 f. Substantial increases in salaries of Florida's public school teachers.
1 2 3 7 8
24. In general, would you say the public schools where you live are excellent, good, fair, or poor - or aren't you familiar with the local schools?
(REPEAT OPTIONS IF NECESSARY)
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
7. Not familiar
8. DK
25. And how about the state colleges and universities in Florida, would you say they are excellent, good, fair, or poor, or aren't you familiar with them?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
7. Not familiar
8. DK
Here are several questions concerning taxes.
26. Several years ago, the voters in California passed Proposition 13 which reduced property taxes by more than half. If there were a proposition like that in your area, would you vote for it, against it, or would you not vote?
1. For
2. Against
3. Wouldn't vote
8. DK
27. Should a constitutional amendment be passed to limit state spending or should state spending be decided as it is now by the state legislature?
1. Amendment
2. State legislature
8. DK
In the last year several actions have been taken by the state to change the property tax system. The Homestead Exemption has been increased and property assessments have been brought closer to actual market value. We would like to know how these changes have affected you.
28. Do you (or your family) own your home?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q.33)
8. DK (Skip to Q.33)
29. Did you (or your family) pay property taxes on your home in 1980?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
30. In 1980, were property taxes for this home higher, lower, or the same as in 1979?
IF HIGHER ASK: Much higher or somewhat higher?
IF LOWER ASK: Much lower or somewhat lower?
1. Much higher
2. Somewhat higher
3. About the same
4. Somewhat lower
5. Much lower
8. DK
31. What about the property taxes on your home over the next few years? Do you expect to pay more, less, or about the same?
IF MORE ASK: Much more or somewhat more?
IF LESS ASK: Much less or somewhat less?
1. Much more
2. Somewhat more
3. About the same
4. Somewhat less
5. Much less
8. DK
32. Was your property reassessed in 1980?
IF YES ASK: How much did the assessment change? Would you say higher, lower, or about the same?
IF HIGHER ASK: Much higher or somewhat higher?
IF LOWER ASK: Much lower or somewhat lower?
0. No
1. Much higher
2. Somewhat higher
3. About the same
4. Somewhat lower
5. Much lower
8. DK
33. From your personal standpoint, please tell me for each tax I read to you whether you feel it is too high, too low, or about right?
IF “TOO HIGH” ASK: Somewhat too high or much too high?
1=Much too high
2=Somewhat too high
3=About right
4=Too low
5=Do not pay
8=DK
v57 a. Federal income tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v58 b. Florida state sales tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v59 c. Local property tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v60 d. Social security tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
34. Now I'm going to ask you some questions about spending by the state government in Tallahassee. Please bear in mind that eventually all government spending comes out of the taxes you and other Floridians pay. As I mention each program area, tell me whether you think the amount now being spent should be increased, kept at the present level, decreased, or ended altogether.
1=Increase
2=Present Level
3=Decrease
4=End
5=DK
v61 a. State highways and road systems 1 2 3 4 8
v62 b. Help elderly people 1 2 3 4 8
v63 c. Public transportation 1 2 3 4 8
v64 d. Public schools (grades K-12) 1 2 3 4 8
v65 e. State colleges and universities 1 2 3 4 8
v66 f. Protection of the environment 1 2 3 4 8
v67 g. Help low income families with children 1 2 3 4 8
v68 h. Promote industrial development and attract new industries
1 2 3 4 8
v69 i. Promote tourism 1 2 3 4 8
v70 j. Energy conservation 1 2 3 4 8
v71 k. To combat crime 1 2 3 4 8
v72 1. State prisons and correctional facilities 1 2 3 4 8
v73 m. Health care services 1 2 3 4 8
v74 n. Drug law enforcement 1 2 3 4 8
35. Of those program areas which you feel should receive increased spending (NAME PROGRAMS) which one would you designate as your top priority for the increase? (CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM)
01. Highways 06. Environment 11. Combat crime
02. Elderly 07. Low income families 12. Prisons
03. Public transp. 08. Industry development 13. Health care
04. Public schools 09. Tourism 14. Drug law
05. Colleges/univ. 10. Energy conservation 15. DK
36. And which one would be your top priority for decreasing or ending altogether?
01. Highways 06. Environment 11. Combat crime
02. Elderly 07. Low income families 12. Prisons
03. Public transp. 08. Industry development 13. Health care
04. Public schools 09. Tourism 14. Drug law
05. Colleges/univ. 10. Energy conservation 15. DK
37. Of every tax dollar that goes to the federal government in Washington D.C., how many cents of each dollar would you say are wasted?
(CODE TWO DIGITS)
38. And how many cents of each tax dollar that goes to the Florida State government would you say are wasted?
(CODE TWO DIGITS)
39. And how many cents of each tax dollar that goes to your local government would you say are wasted?
(CODE TWO DIGITS)
The next few questions deal with science and technology.
40. First, through which means are you most likely to obtain news about science and technology?
(READ OPTIONS)
1. TV
2. Radio
3. Newspaper
4. News magazines
5. Family or friends
6. Public TV
7. Other
8. DK
41. For the next few questions please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, are not sure, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement read to you. (READ OPTIONS IF NECESSARY)
1=Strongly Agree
2=Agree
3=Not Sure
4=Disagree
5=Strongly Disagree
8=DK
v83 a. Scientists have too much power
1 2 3 4 5 8
v84 b. Many of our important scientific decisions are based on insufficient information
1 2 3 4 5 8
v85 c. Drug experiments with animals do not tell us anything about what will happen to people.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v86 d. Smoking cigarettes does not cause cancer.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v87 e. The space program is worth the cost because of other benefits we get from space-age
technology.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v88 f. Government should increase its support for scientific research.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v89 g. Nuclear power plants are too dangerous.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v90 h. Even if laetril as a cancer treatment is a hoax, it should be readily available for people who
want to use it.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v91 i. Limits should be placed on experiments with human fetuses.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v92 j. The government should expand its support for genetic research.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v93 k. Scientific research will find a cure for cancer.
1 2 3 4 5 8
42. How would you define your own personal political philosophy - conservative, middle of the road, or liberal?
IF CONSERVATIVE ASK: Would you say: 1. Strongly conservative
2. Moderately conservative
3. Middle of the road
IF LIBERAL ASK: Would you say: 4. Moderatelv liberal
5. Strongly liberal
6. Other
8. DK
Finally, to make this study complete, we need to know a few things about your background.
43. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent or what?
IF REPUBLICAN ASK: Would you call yourself a: 1. Strong Republican
2. Not so strong Republican
IF INDEPENDENT
OR OTHER ASK: Do you think of yourself as: 3. Closer to Republicans
4. Independent/Neither
5. Closer to Democrats
IF DEMOCRAT ASK: Would you say: 6. Not so strong Democrat
7. Strong Democrat
8. DK
44. Are you registered to vote in the state of Florida?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
45. Have you lived in Florida all your life?
IF YES CODE AS 88 AND SKIP TO Q. 47
IF NO ASK: In what year did you move to Florida?
(CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
46. From what state did you move?
47. How many different phone numbers does your home have?
1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
5. Five
6. Six or more
48. Do you own or rent your home?
1. Own
2. Rent
3. Other
49. And what is your marital status?
1. Married
2. Separated
3. Divorced
4. Widowed
5. Never married
8. DK
50. Are you the head of the household?
1. Yes
2. No
IF YES: a. Are you:
IF NO: a. Is the head of the household:
1. Employed [ASK: Could you tell me what your (his/her) main occupation is?]
2. Housewife [SKIP TO Q51]
3. Unemployed [ASK: What was the last job you (he/she) held?]
4. Retired [ASK: What was (his/her) occupation before retiring?]
8. DK [SKIP TO Q51]
b. RECORD ANSWER VERBATIM AND DON'T CODE _____________________________
51. Are you or anyone in your household a union member?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
52. And in what year were you born? (CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
53. What was the highest grade or year of school you completed?
1. Eight years or less
2. 9-11 years
3. Completed high school
4. Business/technical
5. Some college
6. Completed college
7. Graduate/professional school
8. DK
54. Are there any children at home?
IF YES ASK: Any children under 6 years of age, from 6 through 18 years, or both?
1. None
2. Under six years
3. From 6 thru 18 years
4. Both
8. DK
55. Is your religious preference Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish or something else?
1. Protestant
2. Roman Catholic
3. Jewish (Skip to Q57)
4. Other
5. Refused
6. None
8. DK
56. Would you say that you have been "born again" or have had a "born again" experience -- that is, a turning point in your life when you committed yourself to Christ?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
57. Could you tell me if you are:
1. White
2. Black
3. Cuban/Hispanic descent
4. Some other group
8. DK
58. Now, consider all sources of income for everyone living with you in 1980 before taxes. Please stop me when I get to your income level.
1. Under $5,000
2. $5,000 to 10,000
3. $10,000 to 15,000
4. $15,000 to 20,000
5. $20,000 to 25,000
6. $25,000 to 30,000
7. Over $30,000
8. DK
9. Refused
That completes our survey. Thank you very much for your time and help. Good Night.