April 15, 2002
Boise State Survey: Economy and Education are Top Idaho Concerns
The economy and education are the most important issues facing Idahoans today, according to an annual public policy survey administered by the Social Science Research Center at Boise State University. Concern over jobs, the environment and growth rounded out the top five issues of concern.
This is the first time the economy has surfaced in the top three concerns since 1996; it last held the No. 1 spot in 1993. Education has been among the top three issues since the survey was instituted in 1990; however, job concerns have never before been rated in the top three. Growth and the environment, ranked second and third respectively in last year’s survey, rounded out the top five categories, with environment in fourth place and growth at number five.
Boise State University’s Social Science Research Center, housed in the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, administered the 13th Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey in an attempt to identify issues of public policy concern to Idaho citizens. The yearly report is a significant source of information on public policy concerns for the Idaho Legislature, state agency personnel and the public at large. There were 719 respondents to the survey, representing Idahoans at the state and regional levels.
More than two-thirds of those surveyed said the state was headed in the right direction. Furthermore, almost 93 percent of the respondents indicated satisfaction with the quality of their life in Idaho, a finding that has remained consistent over time. However, while 40 percent indicated life would get easier for them, an equal number also indicated life would get harder.
When it comes to government, Idahoans said they got the most from state and local government, feeling they respond to their needs better than the federal government. However, almost 40 percent said they felt local property taxes were the least fair of all taxes.
Surprising to some, less than half of those who responded identified themselves as Republicans. Twenty percent claimed to be Democrats, while the remaining third said they were independent voters.
By percentage, more respondents indicated that funding levels should be increased for public education, programs and services for youth, higher education, public health care and programs and services for seniors.
J.E. Gonzalez, director of the Social Science Research Center, led the study, which includes regional analyses and three-year trend analyses, as well as a wide range of topics such as breaching the dams, legislative redistricting, and safety and bioterrorism concerns. To receive a copy, call Gonzalez at (208) 426-1835, or view and download the report from the SSRC Web Site.
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