Florida Annual Policy Survey
1994

Survey Research Laboratory
Florida State University

Survey was in field from October 12 to November 22, 1993

Go back to FAPS Page


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***PART 1 -- 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 3/6]

<1> Better
<2> Same
<3> Worse

<8> Don't know
===>
[back to top]

>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
===>
[back to top]

>Q3< 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?

<1> Good times
<2> Good times with qualifications
<3> Pro/con
<4> Bad with qualifications
<5> Bad times

<8> DK
===>
[back to top]

>Q4< 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?

<1> Good times
<2> Good times with qualifications
<3> Pro-con/undecided
<4> Bad times with qualifications
<5> Bad times

<8> Don't know
===>
[back to top]


***PART 2--PROBLEMS (INC. GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENT QUESTIONS)***

>Q5< What do you think are the most important problems facing the state of Florida?

<x> Problem mentioned, specify [specify]
<97> No problems

<98> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q6< Are there any others? (Are there any other problems facing the state that you can think of?) [no erase]

<x> Problem mentioned, specify [specify]
<99> No more problems mentioned

===>
[back to top]

>Q7< In the past few years there has been a lot of talk about the crime problem in 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
<4> VOLUNTEERED: Not at all concerned

<8> DK

===>
[back to top]

>Q8< 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

===>
[back to top]

*** PART 3 -- EVALUATIONS OF STATE PROGRAMS ***

>Q9< 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

===>
[back to top]


>Q10< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q11< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q12< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q13< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q14< 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

===>
[back to top]

*********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 0/23]

>Q15< State highways and road systems; do you think these programs should be:
READ RESPONSES
[loc 3/22]
<1> Increased
<2> Kept at the present level
<3> Or decreased

<8> Don't know/no feelings

===>
[back to top]

>FP02< [if RN2 eq <2> goto Q26]
[goto Q16]


>Q16< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP03< [if RN2 eq <3> goto Q26]
[goto Q17]

>Q17< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP04< [if RN2 eq <4> goto Q26]
[goto Q18]

>Q18< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP05< [if RN2 eq <5> goto Q26]
[goto Q19]

>Q19< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP06< [if RN2 eq <6> goto Q26]
[goto Q20]

>Q20< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP07< [if RN2 eq <7> goto Q26]
[goto Q21]

>Q21< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP08< [if RN2 eq <8> goto Q26]
[goto Q22]

>Q22< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP09< [if RN2 eq <9> goto Q26]
[goto Q23]

>Q23< 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 feelings

===>
[back to top]

>FP10< [if RN2 eq <10> goto Q26]
[goto Q24]

>Q24< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP11< [if RN2 eq <11> goto Q26]
[goto Q25]

>Q25< 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

===>
[back to top]

>FP01< [if RN2 eq <1> goto Q26]
[goto Q15]

>Q26< 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 [fill Q15]
<2> ELDERLY [fill Q16]
<3> PUBLIC SCHOOLS [fill Q17]
<4> COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES [fill Q18]
<5> ENVIRONMENT [fill Q19]
<6> LOW INCOME FAMILIES [fill Q20]
<7> INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT [fill Q21]
<8> COMBAT CRIME [fill Q22]
<9> PRISONS [fill Q23]
<10> HEALTH CARE [fill Q24]
<11> TOURISM [fill Q25]
<98> DON'T KNOW
<99> NO PROGRAM FOR INCREASE
===>
[back to top]

>Q27< 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 [fill Q15]
<2> ELDERLY [fill Q16]
<3> PUBLIC SCHOOLS [fill Q17]
<4> COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES [fill Q18]
<5> ENVIRONMENT [fill Q19]
<6> LOW INCOME FAMILIES [fill Q20]
<7> INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT [fill Q21]
<8> COMBAT CRIME [fill Q22]
<9> PRISONS [fill Q23]
<10> HEALTH CARE [fill Q24]
<11> TOURISM [fill Q25]
<98> DON'T KNOW
<99> NO PROGRAM FOR DECREASE
===>
[back to top]

***EVALUATIONS OF STATE OFFICIALS, INSTITUTIONS, & TRUST-WASTE***

>Q28< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q29< How would you rate the job that Bob Graham has been doing as United States Senator?
READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q30< How would you rate the job that Connie Mack has been doing as United States Senator?

READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY.

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q31< How would you rate the job that Lawton Chiles has been doing as governor? Would you say excellent, good, fair, or poor?

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q32< 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> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER

<8> DON'T KNOW

===>
[back to top]

>Q33< How much of each tax dollar you pay to STATE government would you say is wasted? Would you say:
READ RESPONSES

<1> All of it
<2> Most of it
<3> Some of it
<4> Hardly any of it

<8> DK

===>
[back to top]


*** PART 7 -- TAXES ***

>Q34< 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?

<1> Reduce taxes [goto Q35]
<2> Other/depends
<3> Maintain services [goto Q36]
<7> No opinion

<8> Don't know

===>[goto Q37]
[back to top]

>Q35< Would you support reducing taxes even if services to your community were cut?

<1> Yes
<2> No
<3> Other/depends

<8> Don't know

===>[goto Q37]
[back to top]


>Q36< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q37< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q38< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q39< 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

===>
[back to top]

>Q40< 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, or extend the sales tax to cover services?

<1> Establish a state income tax
<2> Increase the sales tax
<3> Extend the sales tax to include services
<4> (VOLUNTEERED) No more taxes of any kind
<5> (VOLUNTEERED) Cut programs or services
<6> (VOLUNTEERED) Other type of tax SPECIFY
[specify]

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q41< Do you favor or oppose the adoption of a state income tax?

PROBE: DO YOU FEEL STRONGLY OR NOT SO STRONGLY ABOUT THAT?


<1> Strongly Favor
<2> Favor
<3> Oppose
<4> Strongly Oppose
<5> Other/depends

<8> no opinion/DK

===>
[back to top]


*** PART 6 -- TRUST QUESTIONS A ***

>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> VOLUNTEERED: NEVER

<8> DON'T KNOW

===>
[back to top]

*** PART 14 -- EVALUATIONS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS B ***

>Q43< How would you rate the job the United States Congress is doing?
(READ RESPONSES AS NECESSARY)

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<8> DK

===>
[back to top]

>Q44< How would you rate the job that Bill Cliton is doing as president? Would you say:

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q45< How would you rate the job that your representative in the United States House of Representatives has been doing? Would you say:

PROBE: THE ONE WHO SERVED IN CONGRESS DURING 1992

<1> Excellent
<2> Good
<3> Fair
<4> Poor
<5> OR don't you know who your representative is?

<8> (VOLUNTEERED) Don't know how good a job he's doing, but know who he is

===>
[back to top]

>Q46< How much of each tax dollar you pay to the federal government in Washington D.C. 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
<5> VOLUNTEEERED: None of it

<8> DK

===>
[back to top]

*** PART 16 -- PARTY ID AND IDEOLOGY ***


>Q47< Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or what?

REPUBLICAN: Would you call yourself a strong Republican or a not so strong Republican?
INDEPENDENT: Do you think of yourself as closer to the Republicans or closer to the Democrats?
DEMOCRAT: Would you call yourself a strong Democrat or a not so strong Democrat?

<1> Strong Republican
<2> Not so strong Republican
<3> Closer to the Republicans
<4> Independent/Neither
<5> Closer to the Democrats
<6> Not so strong Democrat
<7> Strong Democrat
<x> Other SPECIFY [specify]
<98> Don't know
===>
[back to top]

>Q48< In politics today, do you think of yourself as a conservative, as middle of the road, as a liberal, or don't you think of yourself in these terms?

<1> Conservative
<2> Middle of the road
<3> Liberal
<4> Don't think in these terms

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]


>Q49< At present, are you registered to vote in the state of Florida?

IF NO, ASK: Are you currently registered to vote in another state?

<1> Yes
<2> No
<3> No, registered in another state
<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

***********DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS**********************
>Q50< Finally, to be sure we have a representative sample of Floridians, we need to know a few things about your background.
[loc 4/6]
What is your current marital status?

<1> Married
<2> Separated or divorced
<3> Widow or Widower
<4> Single
<5> Other, specify [specify]

===>
[back to top]

>Q51< How many children do you have?

<0> None
<1-97> ENTER ACTUAL NUMBER
<98> Don't know
===>
[back to top]

>Q52< And in what year were you born?

CODE THE ENTIRE YEAR, E.G. 1946.

<1880-1975> BIRTH YEAR
<1993> Refused/don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q53< Have you lived in Florida all your life?

(Were you born in Florida?)

<1> Yes [goto Q55]
<2> No

===>
[back to top]

>Q54< In what year did you move to Florida?
CODE THE ENTIRE YEAR--E.G., 1980.

<1800-1992> YEAR MOVED TO FLORIDA
<9998> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q55< 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 or technical school
<5> Some college
<6> Completed college
<7> Graduate or professional school

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]


>Q56< What is your race? (IF OTHER ASK: Are you white or black?)

<1> White
<2> Black
<3> Oriental
<4> Other

<7> Refused

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q57< Are you of Spanish or Hispanic origin?

IF YES ASK: Are you of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or some other Spanish origin?

<1> No
<2> Yes, Cuban
<3> Yes, Mexican
<4> Yes, Puerto Rican
<5> Yes, other, specify [specify]

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q58< Do you own or rent your home?

<1> Own
<2> Rent
<3> Other, specify [specify]

<8> Don't know

===>
[back to top]

>Q59< How many phone numbers does your home have?

<1> One
<2> Two
<3> Three
<4> Four
<5> Five
<6> Six or more

===>
[back to top]

>Q60< Now, consider all sources of income for everyone living with you in 1991, before taxes. Please stop me when I get to your income level.
READ CATEGORIES.

PROBE: In what general category does your total household income fall?

<1> Under $5000 <10> $60,000 to 70,000
<2> $5,000 to 10,000 <11> $70,000 to 80,000
<3> $10,000 to 15,000 <12> $80,000 to 90,000
<4> $15,000 to 20,000 <13> $90,000 to 100,000
<5> $20,000 to 25,000 <14> Over $100,000
<6> $25,000 to 30,000 <97> Refused
<7> $30,000 to 40,000 <98> Don't Know
<8> $40,000 to 50,000 <99> NA
<9> $50,000 to 60,000
===>
[back to top]

>sex< Sex of the respondent [loc 4/72]

<1> Male
<2> Female

===>
[back to top]