1990 FLORIDA ANNUAL POLICY SURVEY
SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
***PART I -FAMILY FINANCES***
>Q1< 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? [loc 1/29]
<1> Better
<2> Same
<3> Worse
<8> Don't
know
>Q2< Now looking ahead, do you think that a year
from now you (and your family) will be better off financially or worse off or
about the same?
<1> Better
<2> Same
<3> Worse
<8> Don't
know
***PART 2--PROBLEMS (INC.
GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENT QUESTIONS)***
>Q3< What do you think are the most important
problems facing the state of Florida?
<1-96> CODER'S
OPTIONS
x Problem
mentioned, specify [#specify]
<97> No
problems [goto Q5]
<98> Don't
know [goto Q5]
>Q4< Are there any others? (Are there any other
problems facing the state that you can think of?) [no erase]
<1-96> CODER'S
OPTIONS
x Problem
mentioned, specify [#specify]
<99> No
more problems mentioned
>Q5< Now I'd like to ask you about population
growth in your community. Would you say
that your community is growing fast, growing slowly, or not growing at all?
<1> Growing
fast
<2> Growing
slowly
<3> Not
growing at all
<8> Don't
know
>Q6< Has new growth in your community caused an
increase in your taxes during the past five years?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don’t
know
>Q7< New housing developments, shopping
centers, and office parks produce new jobs, additional tax revenue, and
expanded revenue. These developments
also cause more traffic, pollution, and need for government services. On balance, do you think that new
development improves or detracts from your community?
<1> Improves
<2> Detracts
<8> Don't
know
>Q8< Do you feel that new development IN YOUR
COMMUNITY should be stopped, limited, or not controlled at all?
<1> Stopped
<2> Limited
<3> Not
controlled [goto Q11]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q11]
>Q9< Should the government do something about
controlling development?
<1> Yes
<2> No
[goto Q11]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q11]
>Q10< What level of government should take primary
responsibility for controlling development: cities and towns, counties, special
regional agencies, the state, or the federal government?
(PROBE: WHO SHOULD HAVE
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY?)
<1> Cities
and towns (local)
<2> Counties
3 Special
regional agencies
<3> State
<4> Federal
<5> SPECIAL
REGIONAL AGENCIES
<8> Don’t
know
>Q11< Do you think that new development IN NEARBY
COMMUNITIES has an effect on your community?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q12< Should the government do something about
controlling development in these NEARBY COMMUNITIES?
<1> Yes
<2> No
[goto Q14]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q14]
>Q13< What level of government should take
responsibility for controlling development in these nearby communities: cities and towns, counties, special regional
agencies, the state, or the federal government?
<1> Cities
and towns (local)
<2> Counties
3 Special
regional agencies
<3> State
<4> Federal
<5> SPECIAL
REGIONAL AGENCIES
<8> Don't
know
>Q14< Suppose that a new highway is planned that
will help the economy a lot, but it will destroy some wetland areas. Is it more important to help the economy or
protect the wetlands, or do you feel you are in the middle between these two
positions?
<1> Help
the economy
<2> Middle
[goto Q16]
<3> Protect
the wetlands
<8> Don't
know [goto Q16]
>Q15< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that?
[no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not so strongly
>Q16< If you had to choose between the two which
of the following would you choose:
<1> A
worse quality of your own material life but a higher quality environment
(E.G. A LOWER STANDARD OF LIVING)
<2> Or
a worse quality environment but a higher quality of your own material life
<8> Don't
know [goto Q18]
>Q17< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that?
[no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
>Q18< It has been suggested that protecting the
environment could result in some people losing their jobs. If improving the
environment does lead to higher unemployment, is it more important to protect
jobs or to protect the environment?
(PROBE: IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE
BETWEEN ONE OR THE OTHER)
Do you feel strongly or not
so strongly about this?
<1> Strongly
protect jobs
<2> Protect
jobs
<3> Protect
the environment
<4> Strongly
protect the environment
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 3 -- EVALUATIONS OF
STATE PROGRAMS ***
>Q19< Next, would you please evaluate the
following state programs. 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 (K-12)?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<7> Not
familiar with the schools
<8> Don’t
know
>Q20< 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> Don't
know
>Q21< In general, would you say that law
enforcement where you live is excellent, good, fair, or poor?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<7> Not
familiar
<8> Don't
know
>Q22< How about the maintenance of roads and
highways where you live? Is the
maintenance excellent, good, fair, or poor?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<7> Not
familiar
<8> Don't
know
>Q23< How about social services for the poor,
disabled, and elderly? Are they
excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<7> Not
familiar
<8> Don't
know
>Q24< How about the quality of the fresh water
where you live, is it excellent, good, fair or poor?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<7> Not
familiar
<8> Don't
know
*********PART 4: FINANCIAL
PRIORITIES FOR STATE*****************
>fpin< 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.
If you don't have any
feelings about a program, let me know and I will go on. [loc 0/12]
TYPE <g> TO GO ON
>Q25< State highways and road systems: do you
think these programs should be:
READ RESPONSES [loc 1/55]
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q26< Programs for the elderly, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q27< Programs for public schools (K-12), should
they be: READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q28< Programs for state colleges and
universities, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know
>Q29< Programs to protect the environment, should
they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q30< Programs for low income families with
children, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q31< Programs for industrial development and
attracting new industries, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q32< Programs to combat crime, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q33< Programs for state prisons and correctional
facilities, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no fee
>Q34< Programs for health care services, should
they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q35< Programs to promote tourism, should they be:
READ RESPONSES
<1> Increased
<2> Kept
at the present level
<3> Or
decreased
<8> Don't
know/no feelings
>Q36< Of those program areas which you feel should
receive increased spending, which one would you designate as your top priority
for the increase? You mentioned:
(NAME PROGRAM AREAS FROM
ABOVE. CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM.)
1 = INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR
PROGRAM
<1> HIGHWAYS
AND ROADS
<2> ELDERLY
<3> PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
<4> COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES
<5> ENVIRONMENT
<6> LOW
INCOME FAMILIES
<7> INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT
<8> COMBAT
CRIME
<9> PRISONS
<10> HEALTH
CARE
<11> TOURISM
<98> DON'T
KNOW
<99> NO
PROGRAM FOR INCREASE
>Q37< Of those program areas which you feel should
receive decreased spending, which one would you designate as your top priority
for the decrease? You mentioned:
(NAME PROGRAM AREAS FROM
ABOVE. CODE ONLY ONE PROGRAM.)
3 = DECREASE IN FUNDING FOR
PROGRAM
<1> HIGHWAYS
AND ROADS
<2> ELDERLY
<3> PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
<4> COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES
<5> ENVIRONMENT
<6> LOW
INCOME FAMILIES
<7> INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT
<8> COMBAT
CRIME
<9> PRISONS
<10> HEALTH
CARE
<11> TOURISM
<98> DON'T
KNOW
<99> NO
PROGRAM FOR DECREASE
******PART 5--EVALUATION OF
PUBLIC OFFICIALS*************
>Q38< Next I want you to evaluate how well some
state government institutions and state public officials are doing their
jobs. How would you rate the job Bob
Martinez is doing as governor? Would
you say excellent, good, fair, or poor?
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<8> Don't
know
>Q39< How would you rate the job the Florida
Legislature in Tallahassee is doing?
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<8> Don't
know
>Q40< How would you rate the job your local
government is doing? READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.
<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 6 -- TRUST QUESTIONS
A ***
>Q41< How much of the time do you think you can
trust Florida state government to do what is right--(READ RESPONSES)
<1> Just
about always
<2> Most
of the time
<3> Only
some of the time
<4> Never
<8> Don't
know
>Q42< How much of the time do you think you can
trust the government in Washington D.C. to do what is right--
(READ RESPONSES)
<1> Just
about always
<2> Most
of the time
<3> Only
some of the time
<4> Never
(ONLY IF VOLUNTEERED)
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 7 -- TAXES ***
>Q43< Now I'd like to ask you a few questions
about taxes in Florida. 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 prefer, reducing taxes or
maintaining services? [loc 2/10]
<1> Reduce
taxes
<2> Other/depends [goto Q46]
<3> Maintain
services [goto Q45]
<7> No
opinion [goto Q46]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q46]
>Q44< Would you support reducing taxes even if
services to your community were cut?
<1> Yes [goto Q46]
<2> No [goto Q46]
<3> Other/depends [goto Q46]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q46]
>Q45< Would you support maintaining services even
if it meant you had to pay higher taxes?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<3> Other/depends
<8> Don't
know
>Q46< Thinking now 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?
The Florida state sales tax,
do you think 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> Don't
pay this tax
<8> Don't
know
>Q47< The local property tax, do you think 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> Don't
pay this tax
<8> Don't
know
>Q48< The state gasoline tax, do you think 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> Don't
pay this tax
<8> Don't
know
>Q49< Suppose the state government must raise
taxes substantially. Which would be a
better way to do it--establish a state income tax, increase the state sales
tax, charge impact fees for new development, or extend the sales tax to cover
services.
<1> Establish
a state income tax
<2> Increase
the sales tax
<3> Charge
impact fees
<4> Extend
the sales tax to include services
<5> (VOLUNTEERED)
No more taxes of any kind
<6> (VOLUNTEERED)
Cut programs or services
<7> (VOLUNTEERED)
Other type of tax
SPECIFY [#specify]
<8> Don't
know
>Q50< Would you support an increase in the state
gasoline tax if the increase were for improvements to state roads, bridges, and
other infrastructure needs?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<3> Depends/other
SPECIFY [#specify]
<8> Don't
know
>Q51< New housing developments require your
community to provide additional governmental facilities and services such as
roads, schools, and police stations. Do
you feel that these new developments should pay all, most, some, or none of
these additional costs?
<1> All
of the costs
<2> Most
of the costs
<3> Some
of the costs
<4> None
of the costs
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 8 -- CRIME ***
>Q52< In the last 12 months, have you been the
victim of a crime? That is, between
January, 1989 and December, 1989, did anyone commit an illegal act against you
directly, or to any of your property?
<1> Yes
<2> No
[goto Q57]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q57]
>Q53< What kind of crime was that? If you were a
victim of more than two (2) crimes,
tell me the two (2) most serious ones.
<1> Murder
& Manslaughter <17> Sex offenses
<2> Rape <18> Narcotic laws
<3> Robbery <19> Gambling
<4> Assault,
aggravated <20> Offenses against family and
Children
<5> Burglary
<6> Larceny <21> Driving under influence
<7> Theft,
Motor, parts, vehicle <22> Liquor laws
<8> Assault,
nonaggrevated <23> Disorderly intoxication
<9> Arson <24> Disorderly conduct
<10> Forgery
& Counterfeiting <26> All others-except traffic
<11> Fraud
& Worthless checks <28> Curfew or loitering
<12> Embezzlement <29> Runaways
<13> Stolen
property
<14> Vandalism
<15> Weapons,
carrying, possession
<16> Prostitution
<98> Don't know [goto Q57]
>Q54< Did you report this crime to the police?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q55< What was the other crime?
<1> Murder
& Manslaughter <17> Sex offenses
<2> Rape <18> Narcotic laws
<3> Robbery <19> Gambling
<4> Assault,
aggravated <20> Offenses against family and
Children
<5> Burglary
<6> Larceny <21> Driving under influence
<7> Theft,
Motor, parts, vehicle <22> Liquor laws
<8> Assault,
nonaggrevated <23> Disorderly intoxication
<9> Arson <24> Disorderly conduct
<10> Forgery
& Counterfeiting <26> All others-except traffic
<11> Fraud
& Worthless checks
<28> Curfew or loitering
<12> Embezzlement <29> Runaways
<13> Stolen
property
<14> Vandalism
<15> Weapons,
carrying, possession
<16> Prostitution
<98> Don't
know [goto Q57J
<99> No
other crime [goto Q57J
>Q56< Did you report this crime to the police?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 9 -- HAZARDOUS WASTE
***
>Q57< Next, I'd like to ask a few questions about
hazardous waste treatment facilities.
As you may know, the state of Florida is planning to build a waste
treatment facility -- a plant where wastes such as motor oil, paint, and
hazardous chemicals will be transported and disposed of. Suppose you were planning to move to the
area of the state where this treatment facility will be located. How close to the facility would you be
willing to live?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
[no erase]
<1> Within
1 mile
<2> Within
5 miles
<3> Within
10 miles
<4> More
than 10 miles away
<5> (VOLUNTEERED)
Would not live anywhere near
<8> Don't
know
>Q58< Which of the following statements comes
closest to the way tou feel about the effects of a hazardous waste treatment
facility on health and saftey? Do you
think that such facilities:
<1> DO
NOT pose much of a threat to anybody's health and safety
<2> DO
pose a threat to the health and safety of people living close by, BUT NOT to
people
living farther away
<3> DO
pose a threat to the health and safety of everyone, no matter where they live
<8> Don't
know
>Q59< Which of the following statements comes
closest to the way you feel about the effects of a hazardous waste treatment
facility on the environment? Do you
think that such facilities:
<1> Cause
major damage to the natural environment
<2> Cause
minor damage to the natural environment
<3> Do
not cause any real damage to the natural environment
<8> Don't
know
>Q60< Some people say that, when it comes to
safely disposing of hazardous waste, the government would do a better job than
private business. Others say that
private business would do a better job than the government. Do you think that government would do a
better job, that business would do a better job, or are you between these two
positions?
<1> Government
would probably do a better job than business
<2> Middle
[goto Q62]
<3> Business
would do a better job than government
<8> Don’t
know [goto Q62]
>Q61< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that?
[no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
>Q62< Some people feel that hazardous waste treatment
facilities should NOT be built because they cause more problems than they
solve. Others say that these facilities
should be built because they solve more problems than they create. Do you think that hazardous waste treatment
plants should be built, should not be built, or are you in the middle between
these two positions?
<1> Should
NOT be built because they cause more problems than they solve
<2> Middle,
between two positions [goto Q64]
<3> Should
be built because they solve more problems that they create
<8> Don't
know [goto Q64]
>Q63< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that?
[no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
>Q64< Thinking now about NUCLEAR POWER
PLANTS. Suppose you were planning to
move to an area of the state where a nuclear power plant was located. How close to the plant would you be willing
to live?
Would you say: READ RESPONSES
<1> Within
1 mile
<2> Within
5 miles
<3> Within
10 miles
<4> More
than 10 miles away
<5> (VOLUNTEERED)
Would never live anywhere near one
<8> Don't
know
>Q65< Which of the following statements comes
closest to the way you feel about the effects of nuclear power plants on health
and safety? Do you think that nuclear
power plants:
<1> DO
NOT pose much of a threat to anybody's health and safety
<2> DO
pose a threat to the health and safety of people living close by, BUT NOT to
people
living farther away
<3> DO
pose a threat to the health and safety of everyone, no matter where they live
<8> Don't
know
>Q66< Which of the following statements comes
closest to the way you feel about the effects of nuclear power plants on the
environment? Do you think that such
plants:
<1> Cause
major damage to the natural environment
<2> Cause
minor damage to the natural environment
<3> Do
not cause any real damage to the natural environment
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 10 -- NATIONAL
ISSUES ***
>Q67< Now let's turn to some national issues:
Should the government in
Washington see to it that every person has a job and a good standard of living?
Or should the government just let each
person get ahead on his own? Or do you
feel you are in the middle between these two positions?
<1> Government
provides jobs
<2> Middle [goto Q69]
<3> Get
ahead on own
<7> Other/depends [goto Q69]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q69]
>Q68< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that? [no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
<8> Don't
know
>Q69< Should the government in Washington make
every effort to improve the social and economic position of blacks and other
minority groups? Or should the
government make no special effort to help minorities because they can help
themselves? Or do you feel that you are
in the middle between these two positions?
<1> Government
help
<2> Middle
[goto Q71]
<3> No
special help
<7> Other/depends
[goto Q71]
<8> Don't
know [goto Q71]
>Q70< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that? [no erase]
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
<8> Don't
know
>Q71< Which of the following statements comes
closest to how you feel?
<1> A
person who publicly burns or spits on the flag should be fined or punished
in some way.
<2> A
person who publicly burns or spits on the flag may be behaving badly but
should not be punished for it by law.
<8> Don't
know [goto Q73]
>Q72< Do you feel strongly or not so strongly
about that?
<1> Strongly
<2> Not
so strongly
<8> Don't
know
>Q73< Do you think that laws that give homosexuals
equal treatment in such matters as jobs and housing are a bad idea or a good
idea? Do you feel strongly or not so
strongly about that?
<1> Strongly
feel that this is a bad idea
<2> Feel
it is a bad idea
<3> Feel
it is a good idea
<4> Strongly
feel it is a good idea
<8> Don't
know
>Q74< Which of the following statements is closer
to your view? The government should do
something to reduce the differences between the rich and the poor. Or the government should not concern itself
with income differences? Do you feel
strongly or not so strongly about that?
<1> Strongly
feel the government should do something
<2> Feel
the government should do something
<3> Feel
the government should NOT concern itself
<4> Strongly
feel the government should not concern itself
<8> Don't
know
>Q75< Which of the following statements about
equality comes closer to how you feel?
No matter how we treat everyone, some people will turn out to be better
than others. Or if we really gave
everyone an equal chance, almost all of them would turn out to be equally
worthwhile. Do you feel strongly or not
so strongly about that?
<1> Strongly
feel that no matter how we treat everyone, some people will turn out to be
better
than others
<2> No
matter how we treat everyone, some people will turn out to be better than
others
<3> If
we really gave every person an equal chance, almost all of them would turn out
to be
equally worthwhile
<4> Strongly
feel that if we really gave every person an equal chance, almost all of them
would turn out to be equally
worthwhile
<8> Don't
know
*** PART 11 -- ABORTION
QUESTIONS ***
>abin< Please tell me whether or not you think it
should be possible for a pregnant woman to obtain a legal abortion under the
following circumstances:
>Q76< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If there is a strong chance
of serious defect in the baby?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q77< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If the woman wants it (the
abortion) for any reason?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q78< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If she is married and does
not want any more children?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q79< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If the woman's own health is
seriously endangered by the pregnancy?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q80< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If the family has a very low
income and cannot afford any more children?
<1> Yes
<2> No
<8> Don't
know
>Q81< (Should an abortion be legal…)
If she became pregnant as a
result of rape?