February 13, 2012
Contact: Christopher Rants 712-490-8742
christopher@legacyfoundation.us
(DES MOINES)- A poll of Iowans between February 6 and 7, conducted for the Legacy Foundation, reveals that Iowans generally rate the condition of roads, highways and bridges as good (6.2% very good, 58.2% fairly good) and oppose a proposal to increase the gasoline tax by eight cents per gallon and increasing registration fees for new vehicle purchases (34.1% favor, 62.1% oppose).
The Legacy Foundation conducted a statewide poll of 600 Iowa registered voters on three topics that are currently being considered by the Iowa legislature. In addition to the fuel tax legislation, the proposals on voter verification and property taxes were also surveyed. The property tax results will be released on Tuesday.
There is a correlation between opinions on the quality of Iowa’s transportation infrastructure and support for a tax increase; with those viewing road conditions favorably being least likely to support raising the tax. However, even among those that rate Iowa’s infrastructure as poor, less than a majority, 45%, favor increasing the revenue to fund it. Full cross tabs on the questions and demographics may be downloaded here.
Overall, how would you rate the condition of the roads, highways and bridges here in Iowa? Would you say they are very good, fairly good, fairly bad or very bad?
Very Good 37 6.2%
Fairly Good 349 58.2%
Fairly Bad 153 25.5%
Very Bad 50 8.3%
Undecided 11 1.8%
Would you favor or oppose a proposal being discussed in the State Legislature to increase funding for road and highway improvements by increasing Iowa’s gasoline taxes by eight cents per gallon and increasing registration fees for new vehicle purchases?
Strongly Favor 74 12.3%
Somewhat Favor 131 21.8%
Total Favor 205 34.1%
Somewhat Oppose 143 23.8%
Strongly Oppose 230 38.3%
Total Oppose 373 62.1%
Undecided 22 3.7%
The Legacy Foundation, a 501c3, was organized to educate the general public about concepts that advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited and accountable government. The Foundation also engages in independent, non-partisan research on public policy matters and initiatives. It does not support or endorse candidates for election. The Legacy Foundation was founded by Christopher Rants, a former legislator from Sioux City, who served as Speaker of the House from 2003 through 2006.
This is the first in a series of initiatives the Legacy Foundation will make in 2012 to educate the general public about policy debates pending before the Iowa Legislature.
The survey was conducted by Victory Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa. Interviews were conducted by live operator. The survey consists of interviews from 600 likely voters in Iowa. Calls were completed on February 6-7, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 4.0% with a 95% confidence level. The survey was balanced by party, age, gender and geography. Registered Democrats made up 35% of the respondents; Republicans 34% and No-Party voters comprised 31%.
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