January 9, 2004

Boise State Survey Looks At Taxes, Government, Public Perception

Most Idahoans say sales tax about right, but oppose broadening the base An annual public policy survey conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Boise State University shows that overall, residents are fairly happy with state policymakers. Despite the longest legislative session in state history and a tax increase, respondents gave legislators a “C” grade statewide, while rating the governor a solid “B.” However, Idahoans say they want legislators to act as delegates and not trustees, and most (64 percent) feel elected officials are directly influenced by campaign donation dollars. The Social Science Research Center, housed in the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, administered the 15th annual Idaho Public Policy Survey in an attempt to identify issues of public policy concern among 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 517 respondents to this year’s survey, representing Idahoans at the state and regional levels. The survey has an error rate of plus or minus 4 percent statewide. Many of this year’s questions had to do with taxes. When asked about sales tax, 64 percent say Idaho’s rate is about right, with only 32 percent saying it is too high. But 77 percent oppose extending that sales tax to service and labor transactions; 71 percent still oppose that extension even if the overall tax rate were to be reduced. On the subject of which tax is the least fair, local property taxes once again topped the list with a 31 percent response rate. The most common reason given was that property taxes are inequitable, yet 55 percent also responded that the assessed value of their property was comparable to the fair market value. As in the past two years, education topped the list of the most important problems facing the state, at 25 percent, with the economy and jobs grabbing the next two spots with 13 percent each. Rounding out the top five were the environment, at 9 percent, and growth, at 7 percent. As the state’s population base grows, so do its urban centers. Idaho is now 64 percent urban, yet 56 percent of those surveyed still perceive themselves as living in a rural area. Idahoans once again proved to be largely Republican, at 41 percent. Twenty-two percent identified themselves as Democrats, while 33 percent said they were Independents. An interesting side note is that while 68 percent view Idaho as a conservative state, only 42 percent consider themselves to be politically conservative. James Weatherby, director of the Social Science Research Center, led the study, which includes regional and trend analyses, as well as a wide range of topics such as air quality issues and the use of state funding to assist private businesses. To receive a copy of the survey highlights, call Carole Nemnich at (208) 426-1835 or view and download the full report after March 1 from the SSRC Web site. A thorough analysis of the tax questions, the most comprehensive treatment done to date on a series of questions, will be available by late January. -30- Contacts James Weatherby Social Science Research Center 208 426-4018 Carole Nemnich Social Science Research Center 208 426-1835 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275