1982 FLORIDA ANNUAL POLICY SURVEY
SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
POLICY SCIENCES PROGRAM
FLORIDA STATE
UNIVERSITY
January 1982
I'd like to begin with some questions about government in general.
v1
1. 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
2. Now, 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
v2 a. How would you rate the job Ronald Reagan is doing as president?
1 2 3 4 8
v3 b. The job the US Congress is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v4 c. How would you rate the job Bob Graham is doing as governor?
1 2 3 4 8
v5 d. The job the Florida legislature in Tallahassee is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v6 e. And how about the job your local government is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v7
3. In general, how would you rate the job that your U.S. Representative has been doing?
(READ CATEGORIES)
1. Very good
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. DK
v8
4. 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
v9
5. 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
6. 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.
Do you favor or oppose…
v10 a. Constructing more nuclear power plants in Florida?
1 2 3 7 8
v11 b. The Equal Rights Amendment (or ERA) to the Constitution which would give women equal rights and equal responsibilities?
1 2 3 7 8
v12 c. The death penalty for persons convicted of murder?
1 2 3 7 8
v13 d. Limiting the number of state employees to no more than 1% of the state population?
1 2 3 7 8
v14 e. Multi-member state legislative districts where each voter is represented by several legislators?
1 2 3 7 8
v15 f. Increasing the tax on gasoline to provide needed revenues for road maintenance and
construction?
1 2 3 4 8
v16 g. Substantial increases in salaries of Florida's public school teachers?
1 2 3 4 8
v17 v18
7. And what do you think are the most important problems facing the state of Florida?
(PROBE: Are there any others?)
(CODE UP TO 2 MENTIONS, CODE ANSWERS VERBATIM)
8. 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.
v19
a. 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 fuel
2. Other/depends
3. No more pollution
7. No interest
8. DK
v20
b. Some people think that state and local taxes should be reduced even in public services have to be cut. Others say we need these public services even if it means paying the same taxes. Which do you prefer?
1. Reduce taxes
2. Other/depends
3. Maintain services
7. No interest
8. DK
v21
c. The recent recession has caused state revenues to decline. Some people say that the state reserve or contingency fund should be used to make up for the shortfalls in funding state programs. Others say that program spending should be cut so that the reserve can be saved for some later time. Which do you think?
1. Use contingency fund
2. Other/depends
3. Cut program spending
7. No interest
8. DK
9. Recently several different proposals have been made for increasing funding for local governments in Florida. As I read some of these, would you please tell me whether you favor or oppose each?
1=Favor
2=Other/Depends
3=Oppose
4=No interest
8=DK
Do you favor or oppose ....
v22
a. Increasing the state sales tax by half a cent on each dollar so that. the state can pay more of the costs of local government as it sees fit?
1 2 3 7 8
v23
b. Increasing the state sales tax by 1˘ on each dollar so that the state can pay more of the costs of local government as it sees fit?
1 2 3 7 8
v24
c. Authorizing local governments to enact a 1/2˘ on each dollar sales tax and spend the revenues as they wish?
1 2 3 7 8
v25
d. Authorizing local governments to enact a 1˘ on each dollar sales tax and spend the revenues as they wish?
1 2 3 7 8
v26
e. Requiring all home owners to pay property taxes on the first $5000 of assessed value of their home?
1 2 3 7 8
v27
10. The next statement contains three different alternatives that people have suggested. If you are not interested in any of them, please tell me and we will go to the next question. The federal government has cut funds for state programs in health and human services. Should the state of Florida provide the funds to make up for these cuts, should the state accept the cuts as already made, or should the state cut these programs even more?
1. State makeup for cuts
2. State accept cuts
3. State increase cuts
4. No interest
8. DK
11. Would you please evaluate the following services.
(REPEAT OPTIONS IF NECESSARY)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
7=Not familiar
8=DK
v28
a. In general, would you say the public schools where you live are excellent, good, fair, poor – or aren't you familiar with the local schools?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v29
b. 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 2 3 4 7 8
v30
c. In general, would you say that law enforcement where you live is excellent, good, fair or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v31
d. How about the maintenance of roads and highways where you live?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v32
e. How about social services for the poor, disabled and elderly?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v33
f. And how would you rate the community college or state university in your area in providing programs to meet the educational needs of you and your family?
1 2 3 4 7 8
Here are some other questions concerning education.
v34
12. Should the state make additional funds available to improve the quality of state colleges and universities?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
v35
13. As the price of higher education changes should tuition rates be adjusted accordingly?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
v36
14. Does the state provide too much, too little, or about the right amount of financial aid for college and university students?
1. Too much
2. Too little
3. About right
4. Not familiar
8. DK
v37
15. How many miles maximum would you be willing to travel one way to attend classes at a community college or state university?
IF NOT INTERESTED IN ATTENDING CLASSES, CODE AS 90
IF WILLING TO TRAVEL MORE THAN 89 MILES ONE WAY, CODE AS 89
Now I'd like to ask you several questions concerning taxes.
v38
16. 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 wouldn't you vote?
1. For
2. Against
3. Wouldn’t vote
8. DK
v39
17. 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
v40
18. Do you own or rent your home?
1. Own
2. Rent (Skip to Q22)
3. Other
v41
19. Did you (or your family) pay property taxes on your home in 1981?
IF YES ASK: How much in total did you pay?
(READ CATEGORIES)
0. Didn't pay taxes
1. Less than $100
2. $100 - 200
3. $200 - 350
4. $350 - 500
5. $500 - 700
6. $700 – 1000
7. $1000 - 1500
8. Over $1500
9. DK
v42
20. In 1981, were property taxes for this home higher, lower, or the same as in 1980?
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
v43
21. Was your property reassessed in 1981?
IF YES ASK: How much did the assessment change? Was it 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
22. 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
v44 a. Federal income tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v45 b. Florida state sales tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v46 c. Local property tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v47 d. Social security tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v48 e. State gasoline tax 1 2 3 4 5 8
v49
23. Like most states, Florida faces the problem of having enough tax money to pay for the various services and programs that state government provides. One way to solve the problem is to raise taxes. Another way to resolve the problem is to reduce state services and programs. Which do you prefer?
IF RAISE TAXES OR REDUCE SERVICES PROBE: Do you feel strongly about this or not?
1. Raise taxes - strongly
2. Raise taxes - not strongly
3. Reduce services/programs - not strongly
4. Reduce services/programs - strongly
5. Other
8. DK
24. If taxes do have to be raised there are several different possibilities -- for example, property taxes, state income taxes, state sales taxes, gasoline taxes. Please tell me if you would favor or oppose using the following if more tax money does have to be raised.
1=Favor
2=Depends
3=Oppose
8=DK
50 a. Property taxes 1 2 3 8
51 b. State income taxes 1 2 3 8
52 c. State sales taxes 1 2 3 8
53 d. Gasoline taxes 1 2 3 8
25. 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
v54 a. State highways and road systems 1 2 3 4 8
v55 b. Help elderly people 1 2 3 4 8
v56 c. Public transportation 1 2 3 4 8
v57 d. Public schools (grades K-12) 1 2 3 4 8
v58 e. State colleges and universities 1 2 3 4 8
v59 f. Protection of the environment 1 2 3 4 8
v60 g. Help low income families with children 1 2 3 4 8
v61 h. Promote industrial development and attract new industries
1 2 3 4 8
v62 i. Promote tourism 1 2 3 4 8
v63 j. Energy conservation 1 2 3 4 8
v64 k. To combat crime 1 2 3 4 8
v65 1. State prisons and correctional facilities 1 2 3 4 8
v66 m. Health care services 1 2 3 4 8
v67 n. Drug law enforcement 1 2 3 4 8
v68
26. 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
v69
27. 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
v70
28. And now I would like to ask a question concerning national defense. Bearing in mind the current international situation on the one hand and our economic condition on the other, do you think we should be increasing military spending, holding it at its present level, or should we cut it?
1. Increased
2. Present level (Skip to Q30)
3. Cut (Skip to Q30)
8. DK
IF INCREASE ASK:
v71
29. And do you think that we should spend more for military purposes even though taxes might go up or social services might decline as a result? Or do you think we should not increase military spending under those conditions?
1. Increase
2. No increase
3. Depends
8. DK
v72
30. 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)
v73
31. And how many cents of each tax dollar that goes to the Florida state government would you say are wasted?
(CODE TWO DIGITS)
v74
32. And how many cents of each tax dollar that goes to your local government would you say are wasted? (CODE TWO DIGITS)
Now I would like to ask you some questions about your outdoor recreational activities.
v75
33. Have you participated in any outdoor recreational activities in Florida in the last 5 years?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q39)
34. Of the following list please tell me what type of outdoor activities in Florida you participated in, in the last 5 years.
Did you participate in…
1=Yes
2=No
8=DK
v76 a. Hunting 1 2 8
v77 b. Fishing 1 2 8
v78 c. Hiking 1 2 8
v79 d. Birdwatching 1 2 8
v80 e. Photography (outdoors) 1 2 8
v81 f. Horseback riding 1 2 8
v82 g. Camping 1 2 8
v83 h. Nature study 1 2 8
v84 i. Other 1 2 8
35. What type of vehicle did you use when you went .... (NAME ACTIVITY)
v85 a. Hunting
v86 b. Fishing
v87 c. Hiking
v88 d. Birdwatching
v89 e. Photographic
v90 f. Horseback riding
v91 g. Camping
v92 h. Nature studying
v93 i. Other
FOR CAMPERS ONLY:
v94
36. When you camp, what type of equipment do you use?
1. Tent
2. Trailer
3. Motor home
4. Pickup truck camper
5. Other
v95
37. Do you prefer highly developed camp sites with water, electricity hookups, bath houses, restrooms and the like, moderately developed camp sites with available water and toilets, or primitive camp sites just with space to camp?
1. Highly developed
2. Moderately developed
3. Primitive
38. Where did you go in Florida most recently to go (NAME ACTIVITY)
(GIVE NAME OF AREA, PARK, FOREST, ETC.)
v96 a. Fishing _______________________________
v97 b. Hunting _______________________________
v98 c. Hiking _______________________________
v99 d. Birdwatching _______________________________
v100 e. Photographing _______________________________
v101 f. Horseback riding _______________________________
v102 g. Camping _______________________________
v103 h. Nature studying _______________________________
v104 i. Other _______________________________
v105
39. Have you ever purchased a permit for a wildlife management area in Florida?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q46)
ASK OF PEOPLE WHO PURCHASED PERMIT ONLY
v106
40. How many years have you purchased a permit to hunt on wildlife management areas in Florida?
1. 1 year
2. 2-5 years
3. 6-10 years
4. Over 11 years
v107 v108
41. Which wildlife management areas) did you visit in Florida?
_____________________________________________________________
v109
42. How would you evaluate the wildlife management areas you visited?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. DK
v110
43. Do you hunt on private land in addition to hunting on wildlife management areas in Florida?
1. Yes
2. No
v111
44. In the future, do you think that you will be using wildlife management areas in Florida more, less, or about the same as you presently use them?
1. More
2. Less
3. Same
8. DK
v112
45. In your opinion, do you think wildlife management area regulations in Florida are difficult, not too difficult, fairly easy, or easy to understand?
1. Difficult
2. Not too difficult
3. Fairly easy
4. Easy
8. DK
v113
46. Do you presently hold a fishing license for Florida?
1. Yes (Skip to Q48)
2. No
v114
47. Do you plan to buy a fishing license in the future?
1. Yes (Skip to Q55)
2. No (Skip to Q55)
v115
48. For how many years have you held a fishing.license in Florida?
_________ YEARS
v116
49. On the average, how many times do you fresh water fish in Florida in a month?
_________ TIMES
v117
50. On the average, how many times do you salt water fish in Florida in a month?
_________ TIMES
v118
51. Do you own a boat?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q55)
v119
52. Do you usually take your boat to go fishing?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q55)
v120
53. When you take your boat to go fishing, do you usually fish with friends?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q55)
v121
54. When you fish with friends, about how many friends are usually with you?
_________ Friends
v122
55. Do you presently hold a hunting license for Florida?
1. Yes (Skip to Q57)
2. No
v123
56. Do you plan to purchase a hunting license for Florida in the future?
1. Yes (Skip to Q60)
2. No (Skip to Q60)
v124
57. For what type of game do you hunt (when in season)?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
v125
58. During the hunting season, how many times do you go out?
________________ times
v126
59. Do you hunt with dogs?
1. Yes
2. No
v127
60. Are you a member of any environmental or wildlife groups?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q62)
v128
61. Which environmental or wildlife groups are you a member of?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
v129
62. Through which means are you most likely to obtain news about local hunting and other outdoor recreational issues?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
ASK: Which is the most important source? (CIRCLE MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE)
Finally, to make this study complete, we need to know a few things about your background.
v130
63. In politics today, do you think of yourself as a liberal, a conservative, or as middle-of-the-road, or don't. you think of yourself in these terms?
IF CONSERVATIVE ASK: Do you think of yourself 1. Strong conservative
as a strong or not so strong 2. Not so strong conservative
conservative?
IF MIDDLE OF
THE ROAD ASK: Do you think of yourself as 3.Closer to conservatives
closer to conservatives or 4. Middle of the road/neither
closer to liberals? 5. Closer to liberals
IF LIBERAL ASK: Do you think of yourself 6. Not so strong liberal
as a strong or not so strong 7. Strong liberal
liberal?
8. DK
v131
64. 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
v132
65. Are you registered to vote in the state of Florida?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK
v133
66. 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)
v134
67. From what state did you move?
________________
v135
68. How many phone numbers does your home have?
1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
S. Five
6. Six or more
v136 v137 v138
69. 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 Q70]
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 Q70]
b. RECORD ANSWER VERBATIM AND DON'T CODE _____________________________
v139
70. And in what year were you born?
(CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
v140
71. 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
v141
72. 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 through 18 years
4. Both
8. DK
v142
73. 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
ASK FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ONLY IF RESPONSE WAS PROTESTANT AND/OR BAPTIST
v143
IF PROTESTANT ASK:
73a. What church or denomination is that?
_____________________________
v144
IF BAPTIST ASK:
73b. Is that Southern Baptist or something else?
_____________________________
Some people have been concerned about changing moral values in American society in recent years. I am going to read you a few statements that some people have made about this particular topic. Please tell me whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree, or are not sure.
1=Strongly Agree
2=Agree
3=Not Sure
4=Disagree
5=Strongly Disagree
8=DK
v145
74. The personal moral values that I believe in have declined in American society in the last 20 years.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v146
75. Because of changes in American society in the last 20 years, it has become more difficult for parents to instill proper moral values in their children.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v147
76. The government should do more than it has done in recent years to strengthen the moral fabric of American society.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v148
77. Materials in textbooks should notconflict with religious beliefs.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v149
78. Any science which conflicts with religious beliefs should be taught cautiously, if at all, in our schools.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v150
79. Evolution should be taught in schools as fact.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v151
80. Genesis should be taught as alternative view of creation.
1 2 3 4 5 8
v152
81. Could you tell me if you are:
1. White
2. Black
3. Cuban or Hispanic descent
4. Some other group
8. DK
v153
82. 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
9. Refused
0. DK
That completes our survey. Thank you very much for you time and help. Good night.