The latest round of results from the 2012 Louisiana Survey, released this morning by the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, shows the state’s residents are predominantly aligned when it comes to identifying top priorities. “Louisiana residents are more united than one might expect. Clearly, the public’s top priorities are reforming public education and strengthening the economy,” says PPRL Director Kirby Goidel. “Compared to Democrats, Republicans are slightly more inclined to favor addressing the economy over reforming primary education, but the differences are fairly small.” In addition to party affiliation, race and income level also contribute to some variation in residents’ priorities, especially when it comes to reforming public health care.
Among the specific results:
• 43% of blacks identified public health care reform as a top priority, compared to 30% of whites;
• 40% of respondents making less than $30,000 said public health care reform is a top priority, compared to 30% of those making $75,000 or more;
• 42% of Democrats identified public health care reform as a top priority, compared to 26% of Republicans;
• 49% of Democrats said public school reform is a top priority, compared to 41% of Republicans;
• 46% of Democrats identified improving roads, bridges and other infrastructure as a top priority, compared to 28% of Republicans.
The Louisiana Survey annually aims to serve as a barometer of statewide public opinion on a number of issues. The overall survey included 731 randomly selected respondents, who were polled via phone. Complete survey details, results and methodology can be found here.
Today’s poll question: What do you think Louisiana’s top priority should be?
