Key findings from a statewide survey of 600 registered voters in
Michigan, conducted October 26-27, 2011.
Michigan State Map by Media Market
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
2
The Political
Environment
Michiganders began the year with an optimistic
outlook, but now believe things are once again off
on the wrong track.
Generally speaking, would you say that things in Michigan are going in the right direction, or
have they pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track?
-68
-77
82%
-53
-50
+9
-6
-18
-23
-41
86%
74%
76%
66%
52%
43%
42%
34% 36%
21%
14%
30%
54%
31%
25%
16%
9%
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
RD WT
Aug
2007
March
2008
Sept
2009
August
2010
Jan*
2011
March*
2011
May*
2011
Aug*
2011
Oct
2011
*Data from a statewide survey of 600 likely voters in Michigan, conducted by EPIC/MRA August 13-16, 2011.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
4
Governor Snyder’s job approval is inverted, with
Independent voters’ attitudes mirroring
those statewide.
Do you approve or disapprove of the job Rick Snyder is doing as Governor?
Total
-12
By Party
+37
-12
-55
72%
62%
49%
48%
37%
13%
Strongly
35%
Strongly
Approve Disapp
Total
56%
Strongly
36%
26%
Strongly
25%
10%
Strongly
Approve Disapp
GOP
(26%)
15%
Strongly
34%
Strongly
17%
Approve Disapp
Approve Disapp
IND
(37%)
DEM
(34%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
5
A majority of voters also disapprove of the job
the state legislature is doing.
Do you approve or disapprove of the job that the state legislature is doing in Lansing?
Total
-27
By Party
+14
-37
-48
65%
60%
54%
46%
27%
32%
Strongly
32%
23%
43%
Strongly
36%
Strongly
17%
5%
Strongly
Approve Disapp
13%
8%
Strongly Strongly
Approve Disapp
4%
Strongly
Approve Disapp
Approve Disapp
Total
GOP
(26%)
IND
(37%)
DEM
(34%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
6
Democrats have a modest lead on
the 2012 “generic ballot.”
Now, thinking about the November 2012 election, if the election for State Representative were
being held today, for whom would you vote ... the Republican candidate ...or... the Democratic candidate?
Total
By Party
-5
+83
87%
+2
-81
84%
52%
33%
38%
28%
GOP DEM
Total
Und
24% 22%
GOP
4%
GOP
(26%)
13%
9%
Und
GOP DEM
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
Und
3%
DEM
Und
DEM
(34%)
7
The generic GOP’er does best in the Flint and
Grand Rapids markets.
State Legislature Generic Ballot: By Media Market
-19
+10
46%
+24
-22
50%
44%
41%39%
34%
27%
26%
+8
39%
34%
22%
26%24%
GOP DEM Und
GOP DEM Und
GOP DEM Und
GOP DEM Und
GOP DEM Und
Detroit
(49%)
Flint
(12%)
Grand Rapids
(19%)
Northern DMAs
(9%)
Other
(10%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
26%
19%
8
Issues Facing
the State
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?
% First Choice
35%
Improving education
Controlling the cost of health care and
prescription drugs
55%
16%
Holding down the growth of
state spending
20%
Improving the state’s roads, bridges
and highways
11%
Holding the line on taxes
10%
Protecting the environment
% Combined Choice
4%
36%
33%
29%
25%
12%
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
10
Republican voters are much more concerned with
slowing the growth of government spending and
holding the line on taxes.
% Combined Choice
By 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%
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
11
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.
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
Total
+17
By Party
+40
68%
55%
+14
53%
-0-
47%
47%
Excl/
Good
Poor/
Fair
39%
38%
28%
Excl/
Good
Poor/
Fair
Total
Excl/
Good
Poor/
Fair
GOP
(26%)
Excl/
Good
Poor/
Fair
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
DEM
(34%)
12
Voters across the state’s
media markets agree.
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
+13
+4
+33
64%
53%
50%
40%
+27
+7
60%
51%
46%
44%
31%
33%
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Detroit
(49%)
Flint
(12%)
Grand Rapids
(19%)
Northern DMAs
(9%)
Other
(10%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
13
Voters outside of the Detroit market seem pretty
satisfied with the level of traffic and congestion in
their area.
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
-0-
By Media Market
-30
+16
+21
+56
78%
+38
69%
65%
60%
58%
50% 50%
42%
35%
39%
31%
22%
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Total
Detroit
(49%)
Flint
(12%)
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Grand Rapids Northern DMAs
(19%)
(9%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Other
(10%)
14
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.”
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
Total
-73
By Party
-60
86%
13%
Poor/
Fair
Total
Excl/
Good
Poor/
Fair
GOP
(26%)
91%
58%
Poor
52%
Poor
44%
Poor
19%
-83
86%
79%
51%
Poor
Excl/
Good
-74
12%
Poor/
Fair
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
8%
Poor/
Fair
DEM
(34%)
15
And, there is little difference in voters’ attitudes
by media market.
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
-77
88%
-80
90%
-71
-54
-67
84%
82%
77%
58%
Poor
49%
Poor
53%
Poor
37%
Poor
48%
Poor
23%
11%
Poor/
Fair
Detroit
(49%)
10%
15%
13%
Poor/
Fair
Flint
(12%)
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Excl/ Poor/
Good Fair
Grand Rapids
(19%)
Northern DMAs
(9%)
Other
(10%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
16
Transportation
Issues
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.
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?
81%
48%
24%
9%
Top Priority
13%
Very High
Priority
Somewhat
High Priority
Not too high
of a Priority
Not High at all
of a Priority
5%
Total
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
18
Voters across party lines agree.
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?
By Party
+45
+61
+78
89%
79%
72%
27%
18%
Top/High/
Somewhat
Not High
GOP
(26%)
Top/High/
Somewhat
Not High
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
Top/High/
Somewhat
11%
Not High
DEM
(34%)
19
And, there is little difference in attitudes
by media market.
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?
By Media Market
+69
84%
+56
78%
15%
Not
High
Detroit
(49%)
Top/
High/
Smwt
+67
83%
75%
22%
Top/
High/
Smwt
+52
Not
High
Flint
(12%)
+56
73%
23%
Top/
High/ Not
Smwt High
Grand Rapids
(19%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
Top/
High/
Smwt
16%
Not
High
Northern DMAs
(9%)
Top/
High/
Smwt
17%
Not
High
Other
(10%)
20
Michigan voters are pretty divided on whether the
state has enough money to maintain the state’s
roads, bridges and highways.
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?
Total
By Party
+4
45%
+8
41%
Yes
No
Total
+3
45%
44%
37%
Yes
No
GOP
(26%)
+1
41%
Yes
No
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
46%
45%
Yes
No
DEM
(34%)
21
Transportation
Improvement
Proposal
The potential transportation improvement
proposal was asked in two ways...
Now, as you may know, the state’s gas tax is 19 cents a gallon, and on average Michigan car owners pay
an 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
oil companies?
...or...
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?
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
23
Voters are more likely to support the proposal if
the tax is on “oil companies” rather than
“gasoline wholesalers.”
Would you favor or oppose a proposal . . .
10% state tax on oil companies
Would you favor or oppose a proposal . . .
10% state tax on gasoline wholesalers
+14
-10
51%
49%
39%
37%
23%
Strongly
21%
Strongly
Favor
32%
Strongly
17%
Strongly
Oppose
Favor
Total
*Asked among Sample A, n=300
Oppose
Total
*Asked among Sample B, n=300
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
24
The “tax on oil companies” approach tests better
across the state’s media markets. . .
Tax on Oil Companies: By Media Market
+13
51%
Fav
38%
Opp
Detroit
(49%)
+2
+12
47% 45%
Fav
Opp
Flint
(12%)
46%
Fav
+41
68%
34%
Opp
Grand Rapids
(19%)
+18
53%
35%
27%
Fav
Opp
Northern DMAs
(9%)
Fav
Opp
Other
(10%)
Tax on Gas Wholesalers: By Media Market
-10
37%
Fav
47%
Opp
Detroit
(49%)
-7
-7
41% 48%
42% 49%
Fav
Opp
Flint
(12%)
Fav
Opp
Grand Rapids
(19%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
-31
62%
31%
Fav
Opp
Northern DMAs
(9%)
+3
49% 46%
Fav
Opp
Other
(10%)
25
And, across party lines.
Tax on Oil Companies: By Party
+8
+12
40%
+24
-7
Fav
Opp
GOP
(26%)
Fav
Opp
IND
(37%)
*Asked among Sample A, n=300
47%
46%
40%
27%
20% Strgly
Strgly
+4
56%
39%
32%
21% 22%
Strgly Strgly
-23
56%
52%
48%
Tax on Gasoline Wholesalers: By Party
33%
38%
Strgly
22%
Strgly 19%
Strgly
Fav Opp
26%
14% Strgly
Strgly
Fav Opp
16%
Strgly
Fav Opp
DEM
(34%)
GOP
(26%)
IND
(38%)
43%
30%
21% Strgly
Strgly
Fav
Opp
DEM
(34%)
*Asked among Sample B, n=300
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
26
In fact, Tea Party supporters actually favor the
proposal that includes the tax on “oil companies.”
Tax on Oil Companies:
By Tea Party Support
+7
+25
42%
Favor
-6
26%
Strongly
Oppose
Support TP
(33%)
*Asked among Sample A, n=300
37%
22%
21%
Strongly Strongly
Favor
-18
56%
52%
49%
20%
Strongly
Tax on Gasoline Wholesalers:
By Tea Party Support
Oppose
Oppose TP
(38%)
41%
47%
38%
31%
Strongly
16%
Strongly
Favor Oppose
Support TP
(33%)
36%
Strongly
22%
Strongly
Favor
Oppose
Oppose TP
(38%)
*Asked among Sample B, n=300
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
27
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
28
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?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
29
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 think the tax burden should be
shifted more to the oil companies. But
they should not allow the oil companies
Because I can't afford for them to raise my put the cost back to the consumers price
gas taxes anymore for one. Another is
for the gallon of gasoline so to speak.
basically most people own only one car
and if they own more than that I guess it's I'd rather pay once a year fees instead of
fair game. They have to get the money
paying it at the pump.
from somewhere and taxes aren't going to
be the answer I do not think.
I think it's fair and I think they need the
additional revenue. For the roads and
Just to get a break at the pump.
bridges, for starters. It's apparent that
there are so many bridges that need major
The gas is expensive. The highways are in repair work. The current system is not
bad shape. We pay more money in gas
developing additional revenue to take care
than almost any other state. For a while
of it.
we were more expensive than California.
Just to save money.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
30
VERBATIM RESPONSES
Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax
with tax on oil companies
Because it would spend some money on
the infrastructure and get some
construction jobs going.
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.
Apparently it sounds like it would reduce
cost to me. If the oil companies are paying,
that means I don't have to.
I spend more on maintaining my ball joints
and my suspension on my car and my
I think that changing it from a gas tax to
wheels and tires than I would a hundred
something tied to registrations is easier to dollars a year to pay for improved roads.
keep the money directly funding the roads
and you know exactly how much money is It would be nice to have more better and
going in there.
reliable public transportation in the state.
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.
Because I think the oil companies are
making too much money and why should
we be paying it, they should be paying it.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
31
VERBATIM SUMMARY
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?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
32
VERBATIM SUMMARY
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?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
33
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
34
VERBATIM RESPONSES
Sample Comments – Oppose increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax
with tax on oil companies
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 so
people 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 used
to for their jobs and they can't afford it.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
35
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 gasoline wholesalers?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
36
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 gasoline wholesalers?
Some of these “support” voters express their preference to pay a higher once-ayear 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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
37
VERBATIM RESPONSES
Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax
with tax on gasoline wholesalers
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
38
VERBATIM RESPONSES
Sample Comments – Favor increasing registration fees and replacing gas tax
with tax on gasoline wholesalers
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
39
VERBATIM SUMMARY
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?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
40
VERBATIM SUMMARY
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?
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
41
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
42
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.
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
Anything that they would do, it's going to
money. They just want more money. It's just
all be passed on to the consumer, the taxes. the state wanting more money, they can't
If they put it on the company we wind up
seem to use what they've got wisely.
paying it anyway. Any time any business
has to increase their cost, taxes go up on
It doesn't accomplish anything. Either way,
that business and it's passed onto the
the end user is going to pay for the tax. If
consumer.
someone else gets taxed in the production
line, what do you think? he's going to
The tax would just get right back to us. I
absorb the tax and not pass it on to
mean, taxing the producers, still taxes us .
whoever buys the item later. You can't
The price just keeps going up. It doesn't
afford to do that in business.
take care of anything.
It would be a burden to Michigan citizens,
We don't need to be taxed anymore.
not commercial retailers.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
43
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”.
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
+6
38%
By Party
+10
32%
18%
11% Mch
Mch
More Less
Total
37%
-4
34%
27%
12%
Mch
By Tea Party Support
+14
38%
24%
Mch
10%
Mch
More Less
10%
Mch
More Less
GOP
(26%)
IND
(37%)
+1
43%
29%
18%
12% Mch
Mch
36% 35%
+2
38% 36%
24%
Mch
More Less
15%
11%
Mch
Mch
More Less
8%
Mch
More Less
DEM
(34%)
Support TP
(33%)
Oppose TP
(38%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
44
And, regardless of which proposal language voters
hear, this is just not a polarizing issue for voters
(note the low intensity).
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?
“Taxing Oil Companies”
“Taxing Gasoline Wholesalers”
+11
+1
41%
35%
34%
15%
Much
21%
Much
More Likely
Less Likely
30%
12%
Much
9%
Much
Less Likely
More Likely
Total
*Asked among Sample A, n=300
Total
*Asked among Sample B, n=300
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
45
Messaging
We framed a potential debate over this issue in
the following way...
Which of the following do you agree with more…
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.
...or...
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
47
After hearing from both sides,
voters are evenly divided.
Legislator Should Support Proposal vs. Should Not Support Proposal
Total
By Party
+1
45%
-1
44%
45%
-1
46%
45%
+6
46%
48%
42%
Should Should
Support Not Sprt
Should Should
Support Not Sprt
Should Should
Support Not Sprt
Should Should
Support Not Sprt
Total
GOP
(26%)
IND
(37%)
DEM
(34%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
48
Tea Party supporters/opponents take different
sides on this issue.
Legislator Should Support Proposal vs. Should Not Support Proposal:
By Tea Party Support
-16
+16
53%
52%
37%
Should Support
36%
Should
Not Support
Should Support
Support Tea Party
(33%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
Should
Not Support
Oppose Tea Party
(38%)
49
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.
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?
Total
By Party
-10
-12
53%
50%
41%
40%
15%
Much
More
Likely
30%
Much
Less
Likely
Total
-14
12%
Much
More
Likely
53%
39%
29%
Much
Less
Likely
GOP
(26%)
-3
15%
Much
More
Likely
42%
32%
Much
Less
Likely
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
18%
Much
More
Likely
45%
28%
Much
Less
Likely
DEM
(34%)
50
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.
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?
Total
By Party
+14
+6
+7
+29
57%
48%
46%
34%
22%
Much
More
Likely
16%
Much
Less
Likely
Total
19%
Much
More
Likely
40%
17%
Much
Less
Likely
GOP
(26%)
43%
36%
19%
Much
20%
Much
More
Likely
Less
Likely
IND
(37%)
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE POLL – OCTOBER 2011
27%
Much
More
Likely
28%
13%
Much
Less
Likely
DEM
(34%)
51
The Bottom Line
BOTTOM LINE
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE – OCTOBER 2011
53
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE – OCTOBER 2011
54
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE – OCTOBER 2011
55
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.
MICHIGAN STATEWIDE – OCTOBER 2011
56
214 North Fayette Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: (703) 836-7655
Web: www.pos.org