1984 FLORIDA ANNUAL POLICY SURVEY
SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
POLICY SCIENCES PROGRAM
FLORIDA STATE
UNIVERSITY
MARCH 1984
1. To begin, 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
v1 a. How would you rate the job Ronald Reagan is doing as president?
1 2 3 4 8
v2 b. The job the US Congress is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v3 c. How would you rate the job Bob Graham is doing as governor?
1 2 3 4 8
v4 d. The job the Florida legislature in Tallahassee is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v5 e. And how about the job your local government is doing?
1 2 3 4 8
v6 v7
2. 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)
3. 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=Depends
3=Oppose
4=Other/No interest
8=DK
Do you favor or oppose:
v8 a. Constructing more nuclear power plants in Florida?
1 2 3 4 8
v9 b. Raising the legal drinking age from the current 19 to 21 years of age?
1 2 3 4 8
v10 c. Paying merit bonuses to the best teachers?
1 2 3 4 8
v11 d. State or county-run lotteries?
1 2 3 4 8
v12 e. Prohibiting smoking in public places except in designated areas?
1 2 3 4 8
4. Would you please evaluate the following. If you are not familiar with one of them, please tell me and we can go to the next question.
(REPEAT OPTIONS IF NECESSARY)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
7=Not familiar
8=DK
v13
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
v14
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
v15
c. In general, would you say that law enforcement where you live is excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v16
d. How about the maintenance of roads and highways where you live? Are they excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v17
e. How about social services for the poor, disabled, and elderly? Are they excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
v18
f. How about the quality of the fresh water where you live, is it excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1 2 3 4 7 8
5. Next, let me ask you about the taxes you pay. From your personal standpoint, please tell me for each tax I read off to you if 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
v19 a. Florida state sales tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
v20 b. Local property tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
v21 c. State gasoline tax
1 2 3 4 5 8
6. 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 or decreased.
1=Increase
2=Present level
3=Decrease
8=DK
v23 01. State highways and road systems
1 2 3 8
v24 02. Elderly people
1 2 3 8
v25 03. Public schools (K-12)
1 2 3 8
v26 04. State colleges & universities
1 2 3 8
v27 05. Protection of the environment
1 2 3 8
v28 06. Low income families with children
1 2 3 8
v29 07. Industrial development and attracting new industries
1 2 3 8
v30 08. To combat crime
1 2 3 8
v31 09. State prisons and correctional facilities
1 2 3 8
v32 10. Health care services
1 2 3 8
v33 11. Promote tourism
1 2 3 8
v34
7. 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
02. Elderly
03. Public schools
04. Colleges/universities
05. Environment
06. Low income families
07. Industry development
08. Combat crime
09. Prisons
10. Health care
11. Promote tourism
98. DK
IF NO PROGRAM FOR DECREASE, SKIP TO Q9
v35
8. Of those program areas which you feel should received decreased spending (NAME PROGRAMS), which one would you designate as your top priority for the decrease? (CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM)
01. Highways
02. Elderly
03. Public schools
04. Colleges/universities
05. Environment
06. Low income families
07. Industry development
08. Combat crime
09. Prisons
10. Health care
11. Promote tourism
98. DK
Now I'm going to read you some statements containing two opposing ideas that people have mentioned to us. Of course some people are not interested in either idea, so if you are not interested in either, please tell me and we will go on to the next question.
v36
9. Some people think that state and local taxes should be reduced even if public services have to be cut. Other say we need these public services even if it means paying the same taxes. Which do you prefer - reducing taxes or maintaining services?
1. Reduce taxes
2. Other/depends
3. Maintain services
7. No interest
8. DK
v37
10. Some people think that Florida should increase state spending to upgrade the quality of public schools. Others say that state spending for public schools should be kept at the present level even if the quality of the schools could not be improved. Which do you prefer - increase spending or keep at the present level?
1. Increase spending
2. Other/depends
3. Keep at present level
7. No interest
8. DK
v38
11. Florida recently adopted a unitary tax on worldwide corporate income. Currently there is sharp public debate over whether this tax should be retained or eliminated.
a. Have you followed this debate closely enough to understand what is involved?
1. Yes
2. No [Skip to Q12]
8. DK [Skip to Q12]
IF YES:
v39
b. Do you favor or oppose the present unitary tax on corporate income?
1. Favor
2. Oppose
8. DK
v40
c. If the unitary tax is repealed, the state has several options for dealing with the lost corporation revenue. It can increase taxes on corporations, increase taxes on consumers, or cut back consumers services so that it can do without the revenue. Which do you prefer?
1. Increasing taxes on corporations
2. Increasing taxes on consumers
3. Cutting back services
8. DK
v41
12. Presently the Governor is the only statewide elected official who is limited to only two consecutive terms in office. Do you believe that:
1. All statewide elected officials should be limited to two consecutive terms.
2. Only the governor should be limited to two consecutive terms, or
3. No limitation should exist on the number of terms a statewide official can serve.
8. DK
v42
13. For the state and local taxes you pay, how much do you feel you receive in benefits and services from the state and local government in return? Would you say you receive:
1. Much more than you pay
2. Somewhat more than you
3. About what you pay
4. Somewhat less than you pay
5. Much less than you pay
8. DK
Next let me ask you about crime.
v43
14. In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about the crime problem facing Florida. Personally speaking, how concerned have you been about this crime problem - extremely concerned, concerned, or somewhat concerned?
1. Extremely concerned
2. Concerned
3. Somewhat concerned
8. DK
v44
15. Within the past year or two, do you think that crime in your neighborhood has increased, decreased, or remained about the same?
0. Not lived here that long
1. Increased
2. About the same
3. Decreased
8. DK
v45
16. How safe and secure do you feel at home at night? Would you say very safe, somewhat safe, or not very safe?
1. Very safe
2. Somewhat safe
3. Not very safe
8. DK
v46
17. What is the best treatment, in your opinion, for drivers who have been driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs? Would you say:
1. A large fine
2. A course on drugs and driving
3. Suspend their driver’s license
4. A jail sentence.
8. DK
Now let's turn to a different topic.
v47
18. Have you heard, seen, or read anything about the Citizens' Choice Amendment, which will appear as proposition 1 on the November 1984 ballot?
IF YES, ASK: How much attention have you paid to it -- a great deal, some, or only a little?
1. No (Skip to Q20)
2. A great deal
3. Some
4. Only a little
5. No attention (Skip to Q20)
8. DK (Skip to Q20)
v48 v49 v50
19. In your opinion, what is this Citizens' Choice Amendment all about?
(PROBE: Anything else?)
RECORD VERBATIM - LIST IN ORDER
1. ______
2. ______
3. ______
v51
20. Now I’d like to read you a description of proposition 1, as it would appear on the ballot. Proposition 1, the Citizens' Choice Amendment, would limit the revenue dollars of each governmental unit in Florida to 1980-81 levels, plus increases for new construction and for two-thirds of the increase in consumer prices. However, property taxes could not be increased by more than five percent in any one year. With voter approval, the revenue limits may be exceeded for specified purposes, amounts, and periods.
IF R IS UNSURE, REPEAT THE QUESTION - DO NOT PROVIDE ANY NEW INFORMATION
a. If you had to vote on Proposition 1, the Citizens' Choice Amendment, today, would you be for or against it, or don't you have a position yet?
1. For
2. No position (Skip to d)
5. Against
8. DK
v52
b. Do you feel strongly or not strongly about this?
1. Strongly
2. Not so strongly
v53
c. In talking to us about Proposition 1, some people say that their minds are made up and they will stick to their decision no matter what. Others say that even though they have taken a position now they could change their minds pretty easily. What about you? On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means that you could change your position easily on Proposition 1 and 5 means that you will stick with your position no matter what, and 2, 3, and 4 are in between, where would you place yourself?
(REPEAT OPTIONS)
1. Change easily
2.
3.
4.
5. Stick with position
8. DK
v54
d. How much do you think the passage of Proposition 1 would affect you personally? On a scale from 1 to 5 where 1 is no effect at all, 5 is a great effect, and 2, 3, and 4 are in between, where would you place yourself?
1. No effect at all (Skip to Q21)
2.
3.
4.
5. A great effect
8. DK (Skip to Q21)
v55
e. Would that effect be very beneficial, somewhat beneficial, somewhat harmful, or very harmful?
1. Very benefical
2. Somewhat beneficial
3. Somewhat harmful
4. Very harmful
8. DK
21. In talking to people about Proposition 1, we have heard a number of statements about what would happen if it passed. I'm going to read a few of these statements to you. Please tell me if you agree or disagree with each. If you cannot evaluate any one of these statements, please tell me and we can go on to the next question. Remember now, we are interested in what you think would happen if Proposition 1 passed.
1=Strongly agree
2=Agree
3=Disagree
4=Strongly disagree
8=DK
If Proposition 1 passed…
v57
a. state and local government revenues would be cut by more than 20 percent in the first year. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v58
b. Florida would have considerable economic growth because of lower taxes. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v59
c. you would have to do without important government services. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v60
d. your own taxes would go down a lot. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v61
e. income from a state lottery or user fees for government services could be used to maintain current spending levels. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v62
f. local governments would turn services they now provide over to private companies. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v63
g. increases in government spending could not keep up with state population growth, without voter approval. Do you . . .
1 2 3 4 8
v64
h. state and local governments would be changed radically. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v65
i. much of the waste in government would be eliminated. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v66
j. the quality of public schools in Florida would decline. Do you…
1 2 3 4 8
v67
k. citizens would have greater control over government.
1 2 3 4 8
v68 v69 v70
22. If Proposition 1 passed, who do you think would gain the most?
RECORD VERBATIM - LIST IN ORDER
1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
v71 v72 v73
23. And who would lose the most if it passed?
RECORD VERBATIM - LIST IN ORDER
1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
v74
24. Proposition 1 is an amendment to the state constitution that will be decided directly by voters. Do you feel that most voters know enough to decide such an important issue or should such matters be left for elected representatives to decide.
1. Voters know enough
3. Depends/other
5. Elected official decide
8. DK
v75
Now let's turn from politics to your recreational activities.
25. Did you visit or use any coastal or saltwater beaches over the last 12 months in Florida?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q33)
v76
26. How many days in total did you spend at the beaches you visited over the last 12 months?
v77
27. Beach 1
a. In which county is (NAME OF BEACH) Located?
________________________________________
v78
b. How many days in total did you spend at (NAME OF BEACH) over the last 12 months? Count any fraction of a day as a full day.
v79
c. How would you rate (NAME OF BEACH) as to crowdedness. Would you say it usually is not crowded at all, a little crowded, moderately crowded, or severely crowded?
1. Not crowded
2. Little
3. Moderately
4. Severely
8. DK
v80
d. Would you rate parking availability at (NAME OF BEACH) as plentiful, adequate or inadequate?
1. Plentiful
2. Adequate
3. Inadequate
8. DK
v81
e. How about the cleanliness of the coastal water at (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very clean
2. Clean enough for swimming
3. Not clean enough for swimming
8. DK
v82
f. And the overall physical appearance of (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very attractive
2. Attractive
3. Unattractive
8. DK
28. Beach 2
v83
a. In which county is (NAME OF BEACH) Located?
________________________________________
v84
b. How many days in total did you spend at (NAME OF BEACH) over the last 12 months? Count any fraction of a day as a full day.
v85
c. How would you rate (NAME OF BEACH) as to crowdedness. Would you say it usually is not crowded at all, a little crowded, moderately crowded, or severely crowded?
1. Not crowded
2. Little
3. Moderately
4. Severely
8. DK
v86
d. Would you rate parking availability at (NAME OF BEACH) as plentiful, adequate or inadequate?
1. Plentiful
2. Adequate
3. Inadequate
8. DK
v87
e. How about the cleanliness of the coastal water at (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very clean
2. Clean enough for swimming
3. Not clean enough for swimming
8. DK
v88
f. And the overall physical appearance of (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very attractive
2. Attractive
3. Unattractive
8. DK
29. Beach 3
v89
a. In which county is (NAME OF BEACH) Located?
________________________________________
v90
b. How many days in total did you spend at (NAME OF BEACH) over the last 12 months? Count any fraction of a day as a full day.
v91
c. How would you rate (NAME OF BEACH) as to crowdedness. Would you say it usually is not crowded at all, a little crowded, moderately crowded, or severely crowded?
1. Not crowded
2. Little
3. Moderately
4. Severely
8. DK
v92
d. Would you rate parking availability at (NAME OF BEACH) as plentiful, adequate or inadequate?
1. Plentiful
2. Adequate
3. Inadequate
8. DK
v93
e. How about the cleanliness of the coastal water at (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very clean
2. Clean enough for swimming
3. Not clean enough for swimming
8. DK
v94
f. And the overall physical appearance of (NAME OF BEACH). Is it usually:
1. Very attractive
2. Attractive
3. Unattractive
8. DK
v95
30. We would also like to know how much you spent for you and members of your household only over the past 12 months while visiting Florida's coastal beaches. How much did you spend on…
a. Hotel/Motel or campfees $__________
b. Food and drink $__________
c. Travel to and from beach $__________
d. Beach access fees $__________
e. Other beach related expenditures $__________
Total Annual Household Expenditures $__________
v96
31. How many times did you leave the beach and return during a typical day?
_________
v97
32. On average, what percent of a day's activities (including nighttime entertainment) was spent on the beach? Would you say . . .
1. 25%
2. half a day
3. 75%
4. full
day
8. DK
v98
33. Because of beach erosion and other beach related problems, suppose it became necessary for beach users to agree to buy an annual pass which allows you to visit all public beaches in Florida. The money collected would pay for the preservation of the beach. What is the maximum amount you would pay for the annual beach pass in addition to any present beach fees?
$_________per year.
Finally, to make the study complete, we need to know a few things about your background.
v99
34. 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?
0. Don't think in these terms
1. Conservative
2. Middle of the road
3. Liberal
8. DK
v100
35. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent or what?
1. Republican
2. Independent/neither
3. Democrat
7. Other party
8. DK
v101
36. Some people see government as mostly doing good things for them. Others see government as mostly doing bad things to them. How about you – do you see government as mostly good, mostly bad, or about equally good and bad?
1. Mostly good
2. Good/bad
3. Mostly bad
8. DK
v102
37. How much of the time do you think you can trust Florida state government 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
v103
38. And what about your local government - how much of the time can you trust it 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
v104
39. How much of each tax dollar you pay to state government here in Florida would you say is wasted - all of it, most of it, some of it, or hardly any of it?
1. All of it
2. Most of it
3. Some of it
4. Hardly any of it
8. DK
v105
40. And what about your local government - how much of each tax dollar you pay to it is wasted - all of it, most of it, some of it, or hardly any of it?
1. All of it
2. Most of it
3. Some of it
4. Hardly any of it
8. DK
v106
41. How often would you say you vote in elections - always, most of the time, sometimes, or never?
1. Always
2. Most of the time
3. Sometimes
4. Never
8. DK
v107
42. In the 1980 presidential election, when Reagan ran against Carter, did you vote or did something come up that kept you from voting?
1. Yes, voted
2. No, didn't vote
8. DK
v108
43. At present, are you registered to vote in the state of Florida?
1. Yes (Skip to Q45)
2. No
8. DK
v109
44. IF NOT REGISTERED, ASK: Do you plan to register to vote in time for the presidential election in November 1984?
0. Inap, already registered
1. Yes
2. No
3. Undecided
8. DK
v110
45. As things stand right now, which candidate do you prefer in the presidential election?
v111
46. And in what year were you born?
(CODE LAST 2 DIGITS)
v112
47. Have you lived in Florida all your life?
1. Yes (Skip to Q50)
2. No
v113
48. In what year did you move to Florida?
CODE LAST TWO DIGITS
v114
49. From what state did you last move?
_________________
v115
50. What was the highest grade or year of school?
1. Eight years or less (Skip to Q52)
2. 9-11 years (Skip to Q52)
3. Completed high school (Skip to Q52)
4. Business/technical (Skip to Q52)
5. Some college
6. Completed college
7. Graduate/professional
8. DK
v116
51. IF ANY COLLEGE ASK:
What about your education after high school? Was all of it, a part of it, or none of it received at a technical, vocational, or business training school?
1. All
2. Part
3. None
8. DK
v117
52. Are you currently employed?
IF NOT, ASK: Are you currently looking for work?
1. Employed
2. Unemployed, looking (Skip to Q53)
3. Unemployed, not looking (Skip to Q53)
4. Retired (Skip to Q53)
5. Housewife (Skip to Q53)
6. Disabled (Skip to Q53)
v118
IF EMPLOYED, ASK: Could you tell me what your occupation is?
RECORD ANSWER VERBATIM
_________________________________
v119
53. What is your race?
1. White
2. Black
3. Some other group
8. DK
v120
54. Are you of Spanish or Hispanic origin?
IF YES, ASK: Are you of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or some other Spanish origin?
1. No (Skip to Q55)
2. Yes, Cuban
3. Yes, Mexican
4. Yes, Puerto Rican
5. Yes, other
8. DK
v121
55. Do you own your home or any property in Florida?
IF YES ASK: What is that?
1. Home
2. Other property
3. Home plus other property
5. Don't own
8. DK
v122
56. How many phone numbers does your home have?
1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
5. Five
6. Six or more
v123
57. Now, consider all sources of income for everyone living with you in 1983 before taxes. Please stop me when I get to your income level.
READ CATEGORIES
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. $30,000 to 40,000
8. Over $40,000
9. Refused
0. DK
v124
58. How many people live in your household including children?
That completes our survey. Thank you for your time and help. Good bye.
DO NOT ASK:
v125
59. Sex of respondent
1. Male
2. Female