Poll of Ohio Registered Voters- Less Taxes, Less Regulation, More Coal!

[Rick Rowlands]

On July 28, the Buckeye Institute released a statewide poll of 1,800 registered voters that shows Ohioans are at odds with their government leaders on the major issues of the day, especially regarding government compensation, regulations, and Ohio's pro-union policies. Magellan Data and Mapping Strategies of Broomfield, Colorado, conducted the poll on July 19, 2010, via an autodial survey of registered voters from across Ohio. Because of the large sample, the survey has a margin of error of 2.31%.

Here are some top-line numbers:
·    50% think government leaders should first reduce government worker compensation to eliminate the $8
     billion budget state deficit;
·    Only 16% think taxes should be increased to eliminate the Ohio deficit;
·    52% think Ohio's state and local taxes are too high;
·    56% think Ohio's regulatory environment makes it harder for businesses to create jobs and grow;
·    85% think workers should be free to choose whether to join a labor union to get jobs;
·    67% think we should stick with coal or add nuclear and natural gas energy.


http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/uploads/files/Ohio%20Statewide%20Budget%20Survey%20Topline%20Results%20072010%20for%20Release.pdf
http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/uploads/files/Ohio%20Statewide%20Budget%20Survey%20Presentation%20072010.pdf

My only comment is that I wish question 8 had been worded in a more neutral manner.  The question is a bit misleading.  However the results do show that a majority of Ohioans would rather see government expenses cut than raise taxes, and that regulations are too burdensome for small business.