THE LEADERSHP FLORIDA NIELSEN COMPANY
5TH ANNUAL SUNSHINE STATE SURVEY 2011
QI.
Are you a Florida resident?
1
2
9
YES
NO
REFUSE
OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN FLORIDA
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
Q7.
How long have you lived in Florida?
1
2
3
4
Less than 5 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 19 years
20 years or longer
8
9
DON’T KNOW/ NOT SURE
REFUSE
Would you say as a place to live, FLORIDA is BETTER now than it was five years ago or would you say it is WORSE or
ABOUT THE SAME? (Asked to residents who have lived in Florida 5+ years.)
1
2
3
BETTER
WORSE
SAME
8
9
DON’T KNOW/ NOT SURE
REFUSE
Looking ahead to the next 5 years, do you think that (INSERT FROM LIST) will become a BETTER or WORSE place to
live, or do you think it will stay about the SAME?
1
2
3
BETTER
WORSE
SAME
8
9
DON’T KNOW/ NOT SURE
REFUSE
A.
B.
C.
the State of Florida
your own county
your own neighborhood
Are you seriously considering moving out of the state of Florida?
1
2
8
9
Q8.
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Why are you considering moving out of Florida?
01
02
03
04
05
06
COST OF LIVING
LACK OF JOBS/ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
FAMILY, HEALTH OR PERSONAL SITUATION
HIGH TAXES
PROPERTY/HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE RATES
QUALITY OF LIFE/WANT A CHANGE
1
07
08
09
10
11
12
PREFER COOLER CLIMATE
LACK OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES
TOO CROWDED
DEMOGRAPHICS/TYPE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE
RISING COST OF LIVING
POLITICS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS/CORRUPTION
77
88
99
OTHER
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
CITIZEN PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Q10.
Q12.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the State of Florida today?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
K-12 EDUCATION/PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INSURANCE RATES
HEALTH CARE
IMMIGRATION
TAXES/GOVERNMENT SPENDING
ECONOMY/JOBS
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
TRAFFIC/TRANSPORTATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
MORAL ISSUES/FAMILY VALUES
CRIME/DRUGS
SOCIAL/RACIAL ISSUES
COST OF HOUSING
WATER/DRAINAGE ISSUES
ENVIRONMENT/OIL DRILLING/CLIMATE CHANGE
GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION
UNRESPONSIVE ELECTED OFFICIALS
USE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
NEED FOR AN EDUCATED WORK FORCE
QUALIFICATIONS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (EMPLOYEES, ELECTED)
77
00
88
99
OTHER (SPECIFY)
NONE
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What would you say is putting the single greatest stress on your own household’s finances?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
PROPERTY TAXES
HOME/PROPERTY INSURANCE
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
HEALTH CARE COSTS
CHILD-RAISING COSTS (DAY CARE, TUITION, CLOTHES, ETC)
ELDER CARE COSTS
PERSONAL DEBT (LOAN REPAYMENTS, MORTGAGES, ETC.)
CAR PAYMENTS
GAS PRICES
RISING RENTAL RATES
ALIMONY; CHILD SUPPORT
NOT HAVING A JOB/OUT OF WORK/ECONOMY
UTILITIES (GAS, WATER, ELECTRIC)
PRICE INCREASES FOR BASICS (FOOD, MAINTENANCE, ETC)
POOR ECONOMY (RECESSION, INFLATION)
LIVING ON FIXED INCOME (SOCIAL SECURITY)
ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES (RENTAL/REAL ESTATE INCOME; STOCK MARKET
GOVERNMENT (TOO MANY EMPLOYEES; IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS; POOR MANAGEMENT)
2
77
88
99
Q13.
OTHER (SPECIFY)
(GO TO Q12_OTH)
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which of the following puts a greater stress on your personal finances, your annual property tax bill or your annual
homeowner or property insurance premium?
1
2
3
4
8
9
PROPERTY TAX BILL
INSURANCE PREMIUM
EQUAL
DOES NOT APPLY/RENTING/LIVING WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY/ETC.
DON’T KNOW
REFUSE
JOB PERFORMANCE RATINGS OF LEVELS & BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Q14.
Q15.
How would you rate the overall performance of government? Would you say that (INSERT FROM LIST) consistently does
an EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR, or POOR job of serving the public?
1
2
3
4
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
the Federal Government
the State Government
your County Government
your Local School Board
your City Government, if you live in a city
Florida’s Court system
How good a job does the state do (INSERT FROM LIST)? Would you say EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR or POOR?
1
2
3
4
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
protecting the environment
creating jobs
managing the state’s finances
prosecuting criminals
improving Race relations
providing for adequate transportation
providing Health care for seniors
providing Health care for young children
assisting the mentally & physically disabled
providing good public education
providing good higher education
providing election equipment that is highly dependable
making it convenient to vote
3
N.
informing citizens about election laws & procedures
LEADERSHIP IN FLORIDA
Q16.
Q17.
How would you rate the overall job (INSERT FROM LIST) are doing in Florida? Would you say EXCELLENT, GOOD,
FAIR or POOR?
1
2
3
4
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
A.
B.
C.
business community leaders
government leaders
social Service/Nonprofit leaders
How much of the time do you think you can trust (INSERT FROM LIST) to do what is right for Floridians? Would you say
ALMOST ALWAYS, MOST OF THE TIME, SOME OF THE TIME or NEVER?
1
2
3
4
8
9
ALMOST ALWAYS
MOST OF THE TIME
SOME OF THE TIME
NEVER
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
business community leaders
local government leaders
state government leaders
federal government leaders
social Service/Nonprofit leaders
Q17AA Florida just elected a new governor. What should the Governor’s top priority be during his first year in office?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
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19
CREATING JOBS
IMPROVING FLORIDA’S ECONOMY; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
IMPROVING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
IMMIGRATION REFORM
REGULATORY REFORM AND RELIEF
LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM
INSURANCE REFORM
TAX RELIEF
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
RIDDING THE STATE OF CORRUPT/UNETHICAL EMPLOYEES
APPLYING BUSINESS PRINCIPLES TO GOVERNMENT
BALANCING THE BUDGET
REDUCING THE SIZE OF GOVT.
REDUCE GOVT. INTRUSION INTO CITIZENS’ LIVES (PROTECT INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY)
IMPROVE HONESTY & INTEGRITY OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
HELP STATE’S SENIOR CITIZENS
HELP STATE’S CHILDREN
HEALTH CARE REFORM
4
77
88
99
Q18.
OTHER SPECIFY)
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which one of the following qualities do you feel is most important for a good leader to have?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Integrity
Intelligence
Vision
Compassion
Good communication skills
Consistency
Consensus-building/bipartisanship
Ability to motivate others
77
88
99
OTHER (SPECIFY)
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
LEVEL OF INTEREST IN POLITICS
Q20.
Are you currently registered to vote in Florida?
1
2
8
9
Q21.
(GO TO Q22)
(GO TO Q21)
(GO TO Q21)
(GO TO Q21)
Why are you not registered to vote?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
77
88
99
Q22.
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
REGISTERED SOMEWHERE ELSE
NOT INTERESTED IN POLITICS/VOTING
NOT ELIGIBLE (NON-CITIZEN/FELON, ETC.)
DON’T KNOW HOW/WHERE TO DO IT
JUST NEVER GOT AROUND TO IT
LANGUAGE BARRIERS
DON’T WANT JURY DUTY
DON’T WANT TO BE IN THE FILE
POOR QUALITY OF CANDIDATES/NO CHOICES
OTHER (SPECIFY)
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What is your current official party voter registration? Are you registered as a:
1
2
3
Democrat
Republican
Independent or Other Party
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
5
EDUCATION
Q23.
Q24.
How would you rate the quality of education in your local public schools? Would you say EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR or
POOR?
1
2
3
4
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which one of the following do you feel should be the top priority of your local public school system?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Increase teacher pay to attract and retain the best teachers
Build new and improve existing school facilities
Reduce class size
Raise standards to improve test scores
Improve discipline in the classroom
Better safety in schools/on buses
More accountability and better management of financial resources
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q24A. Which do you think should be done first to improve Florida’s K-12 school system?
1
2
3
8
9
Reward good teachers with financial incentives
Get rid of ineffective teachers
MUST DO BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q24B. Do you support basing a teacher’s pay on his or her students’ progress made during the school year?
1
2
8
9
Q25.
Q26.
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
How would you rate the quality of higher education in Florida’s state colleges and universities, EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR
or POOR?
1
2
3
4
EXCELLENT
GOOD
FAIR
POOR
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
In terms of tuition rates at Florida’s state colleges and universities, do you feel they are…?
1
2
3
4
5
Much too high
A little too high
About right
A little too low
Much too low
6
0
8
9
Q27.
UNAWARE OF COSTS
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Do you feel the current admission standards to get into Florida state colleges and universities are…?
1
2
3
4
5
Much too difficult
A little too difficult
About right
A little too easy
Much too easy
0
8
9
UNAWARE OF ADMISSION STANDARDS
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Q28A. What do you think is the single biggest threat to Florida’s economy?
Q29.
Q30.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
Taxes/Fees
Loss of Jobs/Unemployment
Home foreclosures
Citizens leaving the state
Industry leaving the state
Rules and regulations hampering business start-ups
Protecting the environment, such as water, air
Government waste and inefficiency
77
88
99
OTHER (SPECIFY)
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Do you feel Florida’s state economic development agencies should put a greater emphasis on keeping existing businesses and
jobs that are already here, or attracting new businesses and jobs to move into the state?
1
2
KEEP EXISTING BUSINESS/JOBS
ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS/JOBS
3
8
9
BOTH
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Some people favor offering incentives to businesses to encourage them to expand or re-locate to Florida thereby creating
more jobs and tax revenue. Others oppose such incentives and see them as a form of corporate welfare. Which view comes
closest to your own opinion?
1
2
FAVOR INCENTIVES TO CREATE MORE JOBS AND TAX REVENUE
OPPOSE INCENTIVES AS A FORM OF CORPORATE WELFARE
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
7
Q33AA In your opinion, how much does (INSERT LIST) pose a problem to people starting or operating a business in Florida? Would
you say a lot, some or not much at all
1
2
3
8
9
A LOT
SOME
NOT MUCH AT ALL
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
LIST (SCRAMBLE/ROTATE)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Licensing requirements
Adhering to government rules and regulations
Finding skilled workers
Property insurance costs
Finding an affordable location
Providing health care for employees
Property taxes
Avoiding frivolous lawsuits
Getting a loan or financing
TAXES
Q33B. The state of Florida is facing a $3 billion or more short-fall in 2011. The major ways to balance the budget are to RAISE
TAXES AND INCREASE USER FEES (in order to keep the current level of services), CUT SPENDING, or TO DO A
LITTLE OF EACH. Which approach do you prefer?
1
2
3
4
RAISE TAXES
INCREASE USER FEES
CUT SPENDING
DO A LITTLE OF EACH
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q33C. If the State Legislature has to reduce current spending levels to help balance the state budget, which of the following service
areas would you recommend be reduced FIRST? SECOND?
Q34.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Transportation
Education
Public Assistance
Health Care
Law Enforcement
Prisons/Corrections Facilities
Public Employee Benefits/Pensions
Environmental Programs
Economic Development
10
00
88
99
A LITTLE FROM EACH CATEGORY
NONE
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
In terms of the overall quality of state services provided in Florida, do you feel your state taxes are…?
1
2
3
4
5
Much too high
A little too high
About right
A little too low
Much too low
8
8
9
Q35.
Q36.
Q37.
Q38.
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
In terms of the overall quality of local services provided in your county, do you feel your local taxes are…?
1
2
3
4
5
Much too high
A little too high
About right
A little too low
Much too low
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
In terms of providing public services, do you feel Florida state government…?
1
2
Spends tax revenue in a relatively efficient manner
Spends tax revenue in a relatively wasteful manner
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
In terms of providing public services, do you feel your local county government…?
1
2
Spends tax revenue in a relatively efficient manner
Spends tax revenue in a relatively wasteful manner
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which one of the following Florida government revenue sources do you feel is the least fair?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
State sales tax
Property taxes
Lottery
Gas tax
Liquor/Cigarette Excise taxes
Hotel/Tourist taxes
User fees
Corporate taxes
88
99
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q38A. Medicaid, a health care program for the low income Floridians, is one of the most expensive and fastest growing programs in
the state. Which of the following reforms, likely to be considered by the Florida Legislature, do you think would help control
Medicaid costs the best?
1
2
3
4
5
Reduce/eliminate Medicaid fraud
Cut benefits to recipients
Impose stricter eligibility requirements
Cut amount paid to providers (doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
Require Medicaid recipients to receive services through HMO’s
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q38B. Government officials have suggested dropping public notices in newspapers and placing them on government-run websites.
If public notices were eliminated from newspapers and only made available on government websites, would you read them as
often?
9
1
2
8
9
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q38C. Would you support making hard decisions on cutting spending and inefficiency to repay the $2 billion unemployment
compensation loan to the federal government?”
1
2
8
9
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
DEMOGRAPHICS
And finally, we have just a few more questions for demographic purposes.
Q39.
Is there a child under 18 living in your home?
1
2
8
9
Q40.
Q41.
Do you currently have at least one child in your household…?
1
2
3
4
Enrolled in the Florida public schools
Enrolled in a private school or home-schooled
Enrolled in both the public & private schools
Or, do you have no children currently in school?
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Do you currently have at least one child in high school, grade 9 through 12?
1
2
8
9
Q42.
Q43.
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Do you have a child enrolled in college in Florida? (RI: If “YES” – Do you have more than one currently in a Florida
college?)
1
2
3
YES – ONE
YES – MORE THAN ONE
NO
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Are you the grandparent of a child that is currently enrolled in Florida public schools?
1
2
8
9
Q44.
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
1
Less than high school
10
Q45.
Q46.
Q47.
Q48.
Q49.
2
3
4
High school graduate
Some college/technical program
College graduate
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What is your present employment status? Are you…?
1
2
3
4
5
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Voluntarily not in the work force
Unemployed but not retired
Retired
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Do you own your home, rent your home or do you live with someone else?
1
2
3
HOMEOWNER
RENTER
LIVE FREE WITH SOMEONE ELSE
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which of the following best describes your marital status?
1
2
3
4
5
0
Married
Living as married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never been married
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Which of the following best describes your racial/ethnic origin?
1
2
3
4
White or Anglo
Black or African-American
Hispanic or Latino
(GO TO Q49)
Asian or Other
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Are you of Cuban descent?
1
2
8
9
YES
NO
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
Q49A. Are you currently receiving any of the following types of government assistance: Medicaid, unemployment benefits, SSI
disability, food stamps, AFDA housing assistance or transportation assistance?
1
2
YES
NO
11
8
9
Q50.
Q51.
Q52.
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What is your annual household income before taxes?
1
2
3
4
5
6
Less than $25,000
$25,000-$34,999
$35,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
8
9
DON’T KNOW/NOT SURE
REFUSE
What county do you live in?
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
ALACHUA
BAKER
BAY
BRADFORD
BREVARD
BROWARD
CALHOUN
CHARLOTTE
CITRUS
CLAY
COLLIER
COLUMBIA
DESOTA
DIXIE
DUVAL
ESCAMBIA
FLAGLAR
FRANKLIN
GADSDEN
GILCHRIST
GLADES
GULF
HAMILTON
HARDEE
HENDRY
HERNANDO
HIGHLANDS
HILLSBOROUGH
HOLMES
INDIAN RIVER
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
LAFAYETTE
LAKE
77
88
99
OTHER (SPECIFY)
DON’T KNOW
REFUSE
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
LEE
LEON
LEVY
LIBERTY
MADISON
MANATEE
MARION
MARTIN
MIAMI-DADE
MONROE
NASSAU
OKALOOSA
OKEECHOBEE
ORANGE
OSCEOLA
PALM BEACH
PASCO
PINELLAS
POLK
PUTNAM
SANTA ROSA
SARASOTA
SEMINOLE
ST. JOHNS
ST. LUCIE
SUMTER
SUWANNEE
TAYLOR
UNION
VOLUSIA
WAKULLA
WALTON
WASHINGTON
What is your 5-digit zip code?
88888
99999
DON’T KNOW
REFUSE
12
Q53.
In what month and year were you born?
***REFUSE*** = RF
GO TO CLOSE
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