Michigan Statewide

Key findings from a statewide survey of 600 registered voters in Michigan, conducted October 26-27, 2011.

2MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011

Michigan State Map by Media Market

The Political Environment


Aug2007

March2008

Sept2009

August2010

Jan*2011

March*2011

May*2011

Aug*2011

Oct2011

14% 9%21% 16%

43%36% 30% 31% 25%

82% 86%74% 76%

34%42%

52% 54%66%

Generally speaking, would you say that things in Michigan are going in the right direction, orhave they pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?

RD WT RD WT RD WT RD WT RD RD RD WT RD WT RD WT

Michiganders began the year with an optimistic outlook, but now believe things are once again off

on the wrong track.

-68 -23-6 -18+9-50-53-77

WT WT

-41

*Data from a statewide survey of 600 likely voters in Michigan, conducted by EPIC/MRA August 13-16, 2011.


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

37%

62%

36%

17%

49%

25%

48%

72%

Do you approve or disapprove of the job Rick Snyder is doing as Governor?

Approve

13% Strongly

Disapp

35% Strongly

Approve

26% Strongly

Disapp

10% Strongly

Approve

15% Strongly

Disapp

34% Strongly

Approve Disapp

56% Strongly

Governor Snyder’s job approval is inverted, with Independent voters’ attitudes mirroring

those statewide.

-12 -55+37 -12

Total By Party


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

27%

46%

23% 17%

54%

32%

60% 65%

Do you approve or disapprove of the job that the state legislature is doing in Lansing?

Approve

5% Strongly

Disapp

32% Strongly

Approve

8% Strongly

Disapp

13% Strongly

Approve

4% Strongly

Disapp

36% Strongly

Approve Disapp

43% Strongly

A majority of voters also disapprove of the job the state legislature is doing.

-27 -48+14 -37

Total By Party


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

33%

87%

24%

3%

38%

4%22%

84%

28%

9%

52%

13%

GOP DEM Und GOP Und GOP DEM Und DEM Und

-5 -81+83 +2

Now, thinking about the November 2012 election, if the election for State Representative werebeing held today, for whom would you vote ... the Republican candidate ...or... the Democratic candidate?

Democrats have a modest lead on the 2012 “generic ballot.”

Total By Party


Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

27%

44% 50%

19%34%

46%34%

26%41%

26%26% 22% 24%

39% 39%

State Legislature Generic Ballot: By Media Market

GOP DEM Und GOP DEM Und GOP DEM Und GOP DEM Und GOP DEM Und

The generic GOP’er does best in the Flint and Grand Rapids markets.

-19 +8+24 -22+10

Issues Facingthe State


35%

16%

20%

11%

10%

4%

55%

36%

33%

29%

25%

12%

% First Choice % Combined Choice

Improving education

Improving the state’s roads, bridges and highways

Protecting the environment

Holding the line on taxes

Controlling the cost of health care and prescription drugs

Holding down the growth of state spending

Other than improving the economy/jobs, voters believe improving education should be the top priority for the Governor and state legislature.

Besides improving the state’s economy and bringing jobs to the state, which TWO of the following issues do you believe should be the top priorities for the Governor and the state legislature?


% Combined ChoiceBy Party

Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

Improving education 55% 36% 56% 68%

Controlling the cost of health care and prescription drugs 36% 32% 30% 44%

Holding down the growth of state spending 33% 53% 37% 14%

Improving the state’s roads, bridges and highways 29% 19% 26% 39%

Holding the line on taxes 25% 41% 23% 16%

Protecting the environment 12% 6% 18% 10%

Republican voters are much more concerned with slowing the growth of government spending and

holding the line on taxes.


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

55%68%

53% 47%38%

28%39%

47%

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

+17 -0-+40 +14

Total By Party

Now, please tell me whether you would rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair, or poor... The quality of your local public schools

While voters indicate improving education should be the top priority, a majority of voters rate the

quality of local public schools as excellent or good.


Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

53% 50%64% 60%

51%40% 46%

31% 33%44%

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Voters across the state’s media markets agree.

+7+33 +27+4

Now, please tell me whether you would rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair, or poor... The quality of your local public schools

By Media Market

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

+13


Total Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

50%35%

58% 60%

78%69%

50%65%

42% 39%

22%31%

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Excl/Good

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

Poor/Fair

Poor/Fair

Voters outside of the Detroit market seem pretty satisfied with the level of traffic and congestion in

their area.

-0- +38+21 +56+16-30

Total By Media Market

Now, please tell me whether you would rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair, or poor... The level of traffic and congestion in your area


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

13% 19% 12% 8%

86% 79% 86% 91%

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

51% Poor

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

44% Poor

Poor/Fair

52% Poor

Poor/Fair

58% Poor

Total By Party

Now, please tell me whether you would rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair, or poor... The condition of the state’s roads, bridges and highways

However, voters across Michigan rate the condition of the state’s roads, bridges and highways as only

“fair/poor,” with 51% rating them as “poor.”

-73 -83-60 -74


Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

11% 10% 13%23%

15%

88% 90% 84%77% 82%

Poor/Fair

49% Poor

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

37% Poor

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

53% Poor

Excl/Good

Poor/Fair

48% Poor

And, there is little difference in voters’ attitudes by media market.

-67-71 -54-80

Now, please tell me whether you would rate each of the following as excellent, good, only fair, or poor... The condition of the state’s roads, bridges and highways

By Media Market

Poor/Fair

58% Poor

-77

TransportationIssues


Total

9%24%

48%

13%5%

Compared with other issues that the Governor and state legislature need to address, how high of a priority do you think Michigan’s elected officials should place on fixing the state’s roads, bridges and highways?

Top PrioritySomewhat

High PriorityNot too highof a Priority

Fully 81% of Michigan voters believe that fixing the state’s roads, bridges and highways should be a high

priority of the Governor and state legislature.

Very High Priority

Not High at all of a Priority

81%


GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

72%79%

89%

27%18%

11%Top/High/Somewhat Not High

Top/High/Somewhat Not High

Top/High/Somewhat Not High

+45 +78+61


Voters across party lines agree.

By Party


Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

84% 78% 75%83%

73%

15%22% 23%

16% 17%Top/High/Smwt

NotHigh

Top/High/Smwt

NotHigh

Top/High/Smwt

NotHigh

Top/High/Smwt

NotHigh

Top/High/Smwt

NotHigh

And, there is little difference in attitudes by media market.

+69 +56+52 +67+56


By Media Market


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

45% 45% 44% 46%41% 37% 41% 45%

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

+4 +1+8 +3

Total By Party

Now as you may know, transportation projects in Michigan are funded by the state’s gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and other transportation related taxes and fees. Based on what you know now, do you believe that Michigan has enough money to safely maintain the state’s roads, bridges and highways?

Michigan voters are pretty divided on whether the state has enough money to maintain the state’s

roads, bridges and highways.

TransportationImprovement

Proposal


The potential transportation improvement proposal was asked in two ways...

Would you favor or oppose a proposal that would generate $1.4 billion dollars in additional revenue for the state to spend on transportation improvements that

was funded by increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and eliminating the 19 cents per gallon state gas tax and replacing it with a new 10% state tax

on oil companies?

Now, as you may know, the state’s gas tax is 19 cents a gallon, and on average Michigan car owners payan annual car registration fee of $100...

Would you favor or oppose a proposal that would generate $1.4 billion dollars in additional revenue for the state to spend on transportation improvements that

was funded by increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and eliminating the 19 cents per gallon state gas tax and replacing it with a new 10% state tax

on gasoline wholesalers?

...or...


Total Total

51%39%37%

49%

Would you favor or oppose a proposal . . .10% state tax on oil companies

Favor

21% Strongly

Oppose

23% Strongly

Favor Oppose

17% Strongly

32% Strongly

Voters are more likely to support the proposal if the tax is on “oil companies” rather than

“gasoline wholesalers.”

+14 -10

Would you favor or oppose a proposal . . .10% state tax on gasoline wholesalers

*Asked among Sample A, n=300 *Asked among Sample B, n=300


Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

37% 41% 42% 31%49%47% 48% 49% 62%

46%

Tax on Gas Wholesalers: By Media Market

The “tax on oil companies” approach tests better across the state’s media markets. . .

Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp

Detroit(49%)

Flint(12%)

Grand Rapids(19%)

Northern DMAs(9%)

Other(10%)

51% 47% 46%68%

53%38% 45% 34% 27% 35%

Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp Fav Opp

Tax on Oil Companies: By Media Market

+18+12 +41+2+13

+3-7 -31-7-10


GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

GOP(26%)

IND(38%)

DEM(34%)

48% 52% 56%

39% 33%47%

40% 40%32%

46%56%

43%

Fav

21% Strgly

Opp

22% Strgly

Fav

27% Strgly

Fav

22% Strgly

Opp

14% Strgly

Fav

26% Strgly

Opp

38% Strgly

Fav

16% Strgly

Fav

21% Strgly

Opp

30% Strgly20%

Strgly19% Strgly

Opp Opp

And, across party lines.

+8 +4-7 -23+24+12

Tax on Gasoline Wholesalers: By PartyTax on Oil Companies: By Party



Support TP(33%)

Oppose TP(38%)

Support TP(33%)

Oppose TP(38%)

49% 52%41% 38%42% 37%

47%56%

Favor

20% Strongly

Oppose

26% Strongly

Favor

21% Strongly

Oppose

22% Strongly

Favor

16% Strongly

Oppose

31% Strongly

Favor

22% Strongly

Oppose

36% Strongly

In fact, Tea Party supporters actually favor the proposal that includes the tax on “oil companies.”

-6 -18+25+7

Tax on Gasoline Wholesalers: By Tea Party Support

Tax on Oil Companies: By Tea Party Support


VERBATIM SUMMARY


And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would favor increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on oil companies?

The primary reason voters indicate they would support this proposal is because they believe it will save them money. Many of these “support” voters express frustration over the difficulty they are having paying their bills, noting that it is difficult to afford to drive to work or school because of the state’s 19 cent gas tax. Moreover, these voters believe that eliminating the state’s gas tax will help middle class families, as Michigan would then have similar gas prices as surrounding states. Along these lines, some “support” voters say they would rather pay an increased yearly registration fee than be hit at the pump every time they fill up their car. These voters like the “fairness” of this proposal because all drivers are paying the higher registration fee and oil companies would be paying a state tax. While there are several responses from voters who say oil companies have too much money and need to pay their fair share, it should be noted that there is also some concern that these oil companies will just pass the new tax on to consumers.

VERBATIM SUMMARY


There is also a strong sentiment among these “support” voters that more revenue is needed to improve transportation as many express concern over the road conditions and the safety of drivers in the winter. In addition, some voters believe this proposal would generate more construction jobs, potentially boosting the state’s economy and reducing unemployment.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would favor increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on oil companies?

VERBATIM RESPONSES


Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on oil companies

It'd bring in the revenue that they'd need to fix those roads and bridges.

Because I can't afford for them to raise my gas taxes anymore for one. Another is basically most people own only one car and if they own more than that I guess it's fair game. They have to get the money from somewhere and taxes aren't going to be the answer I do not think.

Just to get a break at the pump.

The gas is expensive. The highways are in bad shape. We pay more money in gas than almost any other state. For a while we were more expensive than California.

Because I think the tax burden should be

shifted more to the oil companies. But they should not allow the oil companies put the cost back to the consumers price for the gallon of gasoline so to speak.

I'd rather pay once a year fees instead of paying it at the pump.

I think it's fair and I think they need the additional revenue. For the roads and bridges, for starters. It's apparent that there are so many bridges that need major repair work. The current system is not developing additional revenue to take care of it.

Just to save money.

VERBATIM RESPONSES


Because it would spend some money on the infrastructure and get some construction jobs going.

Apparently it sounds like it would reduce cost to me. If the oil companies are paying, that means I don't have to.

I think that changing it from a gas tax to something tied to registrations is easier to keep the money directly funding the roads and you know exactly how much money is going in there.

Bring down the gas price. Putting the tax where it should be on the oil companies. I'd be willing to pay a little bit more for in registration for that.

It would bring down the cost of gas. It

would hopefully use the money correctly, and do what needs to be done to the roads so we aren't putting more wear and tear on our cars than necessary.

I spend more on maintaining my ball joints and my suspension on my car and my wheels and tires than I would a hundred dollars a year to pay for improved roads.

It would be nice to have more better and reliable public transportation in the state.

Because I think the oil companies are making too much money and why should we be paying it, they should be paying it.

Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on oil companies

VERBATIM SUMMARY


The most common reason voters give for opposing this proposal is that they believe they will have to pay more. Many of these “oppose” voters believe the vehicle registration fee is already too expensive, noting that the new rate will put a strain on their already-thin pocketbooks. (This is especially the case among voters who have multiple vehicles.) Further, with the elimination of the gas tax on consumers, these “oppose” voters express concern that oil companies will just pass the new 10% tax on to Michigan’s drivers through increased prices at the pump. These voters believe that once the new tax is passed on to them, they will have to pay both the higher registration fee AND higher gas prices – causing them to pay more than they currently do.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would oppose increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on oil companies?

VERBATIM SUMMARY


Distrust in how the state government spends money is also one of the key issues among these “oppose” voters. These voters question the state government’s spending priorities, and they feel the revenue raised may be wastefully spent instead of going to much-needed transportation improvements. Further, many believe the state government already has enough money to fund road construction, but it is being misallocated and spent on poorly constructed road work. Along these lines, there is some concern among voters that the state government will reinstate the gas taxes once they need more funds or that this proposal will contain loopholes or hidden taxes.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would oppose increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on oil companies?

VERBATIM RESPONSES


Sample Comments – Oppose increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on oil companies

Because I don't believe the taxes would stay down. They might go down for a while, but then they'd find some reason to hike them back up. Then we'd have higher registration fees for our vehicles at the end of the year or our birthday or whenever we have to renew them and then they'll find some reason to jack up the gas prices.

They'll pass it on to the consumer. It's just going to come out in the price anyway, we're still going to be paying for it.

Because there are always loopholes in everything so you don't really know what they are going to add on to it after or what they're going to do with it. Well I just don't trust politicians.

I think now it's pretty fair, the more you

drive, the more you pay.

It's the shifting of the tax. If you're going to tax the oil companies, then they're just going to raise the price of gas.

I think our registration fees are high enough. People can learn to drive less.

I just don't have faith in the government that the money would be directed correctly and it would be put to use like they say it would be. It’s just they're going to raise prices and cut it other places and in my opinion it's going to end up being a wash and our roads still would not be any better than they are now.

VERBATIM RESPONSES


It's a ten percent increase on the oil and gas company that means that there's going to be an additional increase to us, not only because we have an increase in our registration but then ten percent increase to them means we end up getting another increase so it's like we get caught on the back end.

Basically what that boils down to is you're just going to raise registration fees sopeople aren't going to register vehicles.

If you take the tax off at the pump and put it on the registration, the only people that are paying for the taxes are people that have cars that are registered in Michigan.

Because when they were saying it could

double our registration, we have three vehicles. That's six hundred dollars a year. I think double, that's a big chunk. We're just skating by right now as it is, so to double car plates would be kind of brutal.

I don't want to pay anymore money to government and I don't want government spending any more money. I want them to manage the money that they bring in effectively and efficiently which seems to be a problem especially in Michigan.

The people who have jobs are now driving twice to three times as far as they usedto for their jobs and they can't afford it.

Sample Comments – Oppose increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on oil companies

VERBATIM SUMMARY


While most voters support the “tax on oil companies” proposal to save money, those who favor the proposal that includes “gasoline wholesalers” cite that increased revenue to help improve transportation and the economy is the primary reason for their support. Many of these voters express their frustration with the subpar quality of Michigan’s roads and tie the issue to the high cost of frequent car repairs. However, with the state facing a difficult economy, there is a resounding sense that something needs to get done to get people back to work and to lower gas prices. Several of these “support” voters link an increase in revenue with putting more people back to work and, in turn, improving the quality of the state’s infrastructure.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would favor increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on gasoline wholesalers?

VERBATIM SUMMARY


Some of these “support” voters express their preference to pay a higher once-a-year vehicle registration fee instead of paying for higher gas prices every time they fill their tank. These voters support this part of the proposal in order to make one larger payment once a year, but also to ensure that every driver, regardless of the amount of miles driven, pays a fair share towards the state’s infrastructure.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would favor increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on gasoline wholesalers?

VERBATIM RESPONSES


It will put a lot of people to work in terms of repairing the highways. I think that with better roads that will make it more affordable for people to operate their vehicles and for businesses to operate.

We've got to get this economy moving again and we need jobs and if we're working on our roads, that creates jobs.

The conditions of the roads. The amount you're paying in car repairs will exceed the conditions if you can fix the roads.

Because of the bad state of the roads. I mean there's just not enough money to keep the service of the roads in good repair at all. They've been really deteriorating in the last five years.

I really, really haven't thought about it so I

don't know that much about that.

I think it’s more fair and it's going to bring in more money that we need. Our roads are hurting, so we need more money to fix them up. We make a lot of money of off tourism and I think that's important to make sure the roads are good.

Because we would pay a one time fee, so to speak, with the registration, as opposed to every time you're filling up your gas tank you're paying that fee.

I see most of Michigan is out of work and if you keep increasing gas prices, people aren't going to have the money to even think about going to look for a job.

Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on gasoline wholesalers

VERBATIM RESPONSES


It would provide funding. Hopefully it would be directed directly to roads and not siphoned off into the general funds.

I think people are getting taxed enough. I think the wholesalers ought to pay for it really. You can see every day you look at the stock market, the fluctuation of the oil prices going up and down.

The roads can be improved, you need the money to do it, you got to get the money from somewhere.

I think it's going to create jobs. I think it's going to create safer roads. I think it's going to affect every one. It's something that could benefit everyone in the state.

The state simply doesn't have enough

money to maintain the roads and bridges. I think in terms of infrastructure and improving the business climate in Michigan that's very important.

Because it will get the state more money to work with than with the way the gas prices fluctuate, it will stabilize the taxes more.

Because gas prices are very high as they stand right now and I think the wholesalers are the ones that can afford to pay those more than the average person.

The roads were improved it would create jobs. It would help traffic flow.

Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on gasoline wholesalers

VERBATIM SUMMARY


Voters who express opposition to this proposal are most likely to point out the already high costs of registration fees in the state of Michigan. Many of these “oppose” voters mention how they personally own more than one car and voice frustration with having to pay higher annual prices to maintain their multiple registrations. Along these lines, many “oppose” respondents believe that the proposal would disproportionately affect lower income drivers and those who drive fewer miles. Other “oppose” voters voice their belief that regardless of how the tax rate is shifted, gasoline wholesalers will find a way to pass the costs on to consumers. Many of these voters say that they don’t think gas prices will drop regardless of what stage in the process gasoline is taxed.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would oppose increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on gasoline wholesalers?

VERBATIM SUMMARY


Further, as was a concern among those who would oppose the proposal that included “oil companies,” these voters also point out that the problem isn’t the amount of money that the state is taking in to maintain roads and bridges, but rather the inefficiencies and irresponsibility of the Michigan government in allocating the funding.

And, what are some of the most important reasons why you would oppose increasing the state’s vehicle registration fees, and replacing the 19 cents/gallon gas tax with a 10% tax on gasoline wholesalers?

VERBATIM RESPONSES


Sample Comments – Oppose increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on gasoline wholesalers

If it's going to raise more revenue it's going to cost me more money. Wholesalers aren't going to eat the costs, they're going to have to pass it on.

We have a number of vehicles on the road. It wouldn't be fair for people who have more than one vehicle.

Because somebody that has a higher income is going to pay the same to register their car as somebody that earns very little. The additional cost of $120 per year is a lot more for some people than others.

I don't think the problems with the roads and infrastructure are monetary related. I think it's more the way they do business here in Michigan.

People can't afford more taxes. They can't

afford higher vehicle registration prices.

Because I think now, the people that drive more pay more in taxes because they use more gasoline. The poor guy that doesn't drive a lot, why should we put a burden on him. It's going to be based more on who can afford to drive than it is now. Let the people who use the roads pay for them.

Because I drive a long ways to work and ten percent will probably add up to more than nineteen cents.

Because it raises taxes. Ten percent would be, right now, thirty five cents a gallon per gasoline. They've jacked up my registration fee and raised the taxes on gasoline.

VERBATIM RESPONSES


Sample Comments – Oppose increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax with tax on gasoline wholesalers

Either way, if you put it on the wholesalers they're going to raise gas prices anyway. If you raise the gas tax I can't afford pay any more for gas as it is.

Anything that they would do, it's going to all be passed on to the consumer, the taxes. If they put it on the company we wind up paying it anyway. Any time any business has to increase their cost, taxes go up on that business and it's passed onto the consumer.

The tax would just get right back to us. I mean, taxing the producers, still taxes us . The price just keeps going up. It doesn't take care of anything.

We don't need to be taxed anymore.

I think the registration fee is too high at this

point. I think it shouldn't be determined on the value of the car, but the age of the car.

Because they're just trying to get more money. They just want more money. It's just the state wanting more money, they can't seem to use what they've got wisely.

It doesn't accomplish anything. Either way, the end user is going to pay for the tax. Ifsomeone else gets taxed in the production line, what do you think? he's going to absorb the tax and not pass it on to whoever buys the item later. You can't afford to do that in business.

It would be a burden to Michigan citizens, not commercial retailers.


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

Support TP(33%)

Oppose TP(38%)

38% 37% 34%43%

36% 38%32% 27%

38%29%

35% 36%

More

11% Mch

Less

18% Mch

12% Mch

10% Mch

More

10% Mch

Less

24% Mch

More

12% Mch

Less

18% Mch

More

11% Mch

Less

15% Mch

More

8% Mch

Less

24% Mch

More Less

When voters are asked if they would be more likely to support a State Legislator who supported this

proposal in the next election, it’s a “wash”.

+6 +1 +2+14-4+10

By Tea Party SupportBy PartyTotal

If you knew that your State Legislator supported this proposal, would that make you more likely or less likely to vote for them in the next election?


Total Total

41% 35%30% 34%

If you knew that your State Legislator supported this proposal, would that make you more likely or less likely to vote for them in the next election?

More Likely

12% Much

Less Likely More Likely

15% Much

And, regardless of which proposal language voters hear, this is just not a polarizing issue for voters

(note the low intensity).

+11 +1

Less Likely

9% Much

21% Much

“Taxing Gasoline Wholesalers”“Taxing Oil Companies”


Messaging


We framed a potential debate over this issue in the following way...

Some people say that their state legislator SHOULD support this proposal because while no one likes to pay more, no one wants

bridges falling down.

Which of the following do you agree with more…

Some people say that their state legislator SHOULD NOT support this proposal because we should not raise any taxes right now, no

matter what they are for.

...or...


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

45% 45% 45% 48%44% 46% 46% 42%

Legislator Should Support Proposal vs. Should Not Support Proposal

ShouldSupport

ShouldNot Sprt

ShouldSupport

ShouldNot Sprt

ShouldSupport

ShouldNot Sprt

ShouldSupport

ShouldNot Sprt

After hearing from both sides, voters are evenly divided.

+1 +6-1 -1

Total By Party


Support Tea Party(33%)

Oppose Tea Party(38%)

37%52%53%

36%

Legislator Should Support Proposal vs. Should Not Support Proposal: By Tea Party Support

Should SupportShould

Not Support Should SupportShould

Not Support

Tea Party supporters/opponents take different sides on this issue.

-16 +16


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

40% 41% 39% 42%50% 53% 53%

45%

And, if you knew that an independent study shows that this proposal would cost Michigan drivers an additional ten dollars a month, would you be more likely or less likely to support this proposal for

transportation improvements in the state?

MoreLikely

15% Much

LessLikely

30% Much

MoreLikely

12% Much

LessLikely

29% Much

MoreLikely

15% Much

LessLikely

32% Much

MoreLikely

18% Much

LessLikely

28% Much

Learning this proposal would cost drivers an additional $10 a month makes voters less likely to support it,

though perhaps less so than would be expected.

-10 -3-12 -14

Total By Party


Total GOP(26%)

IND(37%)

DEM(34%)

48% 46% 43%57%

34% 40% 36%28%

And, if you knew that an independent study shows that the average Michigan car driver spends $370 per year on repairs to their car relating to the condition of our roads, would you be more likely or less likely to

support this proposal for transportation improvements in the state?

MoreLikely

22% Much

LessLikely

16% Much

MoreLikely

19% Much

LessLikely

17% Much

MoreLikely

19% Much

LessLikely

20% Much

MoreLikely

27% Much

LessLikely

13% Much

Yet, once voters hear the average driver spends $370 annually in care repairs due to poor road conditions,

they are more likely to support the proposal.

+14 +29+6 +7

Total By Party

The Bottom Line

BOTTOM LINE

53MICHIGAN STATEWIDE – OCTOBER 2011

In terms of attitudes toward transportation issues in Michigan:

A majority of voters describe the condition of the state’s roads, bridges and highways as “poor.” (In fact, just 13% of voters describe them as “excellent/good.”)

There’s a strong sentiment that fixing Michigan’s roads, bridges and highways should be a priority for the state’s elected officials.

And, voters question whether Michigan has enough money to safely maintain the state’s roads, bridges and highways.

While this data indicates that voters A.) see a problem and B.) want a solution, how the tax/registration fee proposal is worded and explained is critical to their support.

BOTTOM LINE


While a majority say they would favor a proposal to generate transportation improvement funding by increasing registration fees, cutting the gas tax, and implementing a new tax on “oil companies,” support drops below 40% when “oil companies” is replaced with “gasoline wholesalers.”

There are clearly some concerns among voters that they could pay more under the proposal – especially with higher registration fees on multiple vehicles. In addition, even voters who support the proposal (regardless of wording) say they expect higher prices at the pump as a result of shifting the tax burden onto the gas producers.

BOTTOM LINE


There’s also a sense among voters that revenue collected may NOT be used by elected officials for transportation improvements. Keep in mind, voters are pretty negative about the direction of the state and disapprove of the job the Governor and State Legislature are doing in Lansing. Some believe this new funding could be allocated by government officials to different priorities, and that just doesn’t sit well with these voters.

However, the verbatim comments indicate that economic benefits – potentially more construction jobs and saving money in car repairs that are necessary due to poor roads – are strong reasons to support the proposal. Further, once voters hear that the average driver spends on average $370 on car repairs related to the condition of Michigan’s roads, most voters say they would be more likely to support the proposal.

BOTTOM LINE


Bottom line – voters know there is a problem with the state’s roads, bridges and highways and are inclined to support a proposal that would generate revenue for improvements as long as the tax goes to “oil companies.” Support for the proposal gets more dicey when the term “gasoline wholesalers” is used.

In political terms, this survey indicates that voters don’t feel strong feelings either way about this issue, and wouldn’t punish a state legislator who supports this proposal – regardless of whether “oil companies” or “gasoline wholesalers” is used in the language.

214 North Fayette StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: (703) 836-7655 Web: www.pos.org

Documents

Michigan Statewide