The Public’s Perceptions and The Public’s Perceptions and Experiences with the Economy Experiences with the Economy

in Anne Arundel Countyin Anne Arundel CountyBy Dan Nataf, Ph.D.

Director, Center for the Study of Local Issues

Anne Arundel Community CollegeFeb. 8, 2012

www2.aacc.edu/csli

Overview of Survey Overview of Survey Process Process

•CSLI – Part of Sarbanes Center for Public and Community Service at Anne Arundel Community College

•Operating since 1978

•Mission: Provide students opportunities for engaged learning, community outreach

• Main activity – public interest surveys

oRespondents randomly chosen from universe of listed telephone numbers combined with computer generated numbers

oTypical sample size: 400-900 respondents; students introduced to survey methods, used as interviewers, review findings

o Topics – wide ranging, economy, transportation, land use/growth, taxes/spending, schools…

• Last survey – Oct. 10-13, 2011 – focus of most of this presentation• 487completed surveys• Press releases available online.

•since 1978

www2.aacc.edu/csli

Polling Results for AA CountyPolling Results for AA County

AA County Polling Results: AA County Polling Results: Most Important Problem - Fall '06 to Fall '11 Most Important Problem - Fall '06 to Fall '11

AA County Polling Results: Rate the EconomyAA County Polling Results: Rate the EconomyPercentage saying “excellent” or “good” since March 2009

Economy Excellent or Good: Economy Excellent or Good: AA County vs. USA – County looks around 35% betterAA County vs. USA – County looks around 35% better

General economic conditions – % saying ‘applies’General economic conditions – % saying ‘applies’

Economic costs, inflation: % saying Economic costs, inflation: % saying

‘applies’‘applies’

Economic conditions: Found job, got income Economic conditions: Found job, got income increaseincrease

County residents vs. AACC studentsCounty residents vs. AACC students

Influences on Perceptions of Economic Conditions by Influences on Perceptions of Economic Conditions by

CircumstancesCircumstances

Percentage saying “Excellent/Good” for County, State, USA by Variance from Overall Percentage by: Low income, received an increase in income lately, possibility of losing job, found job lately

Increased income improves outcomes…Increased income improves outcomes…more than finding a jobmore than finding a job

Percentage citing a condition applies vs. average

Lower is “better”

Higher income=fewer economic Higher income=fewer economic problemsproblems

Lower income=0 to $75k; higher income=more than $75k

Percentage citing a condition applies vs. average

Lower is “better”

Consumer confidence: County vs. studentsConsumer confidence: County vs. students

Inflation forecast =>

Better Same Worse

Those saying worse regarding…

Economic growth 12 16 40Unemployment 15 21 47Your personal financial situation 2 14 32

Inflation as key indicator Inflation as key indicator of overall pessimism…of overall pessimism…

Perceptions of MD and AAC dealing with economic Perceptions of MD and AAC dealing with economic downturn: County vs. studentsdownturn: County vs. students

16

Issue Support Oppose UnsureImposing an additional fine of up to $1500 on drivers caught drunk driving

86 13 1

Permitting the use of off-shore wind power near Ocean City 80 10 10Increasing the alcohol tax 68 29 3Permitting the purchase of marijuana for medical purposes 65 29 7Taking away drivers’ licenses from those who refuse to pay taxes

64 32 3

Increasing the use of cameras to ticket those running red lights

59 41 4

Making same sex marriages legal in Maryland 47 46 7Making preparations to implement President Obama’s health care reform law

43 50 8

Limiting the use of binding arbitration when the county negotiates with public safety unions

35 42 23

Allowing the children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition for college

33 63 4

Increasing university tuition to maintain the quality of higher education

32 66 2

Reducing the pension and retiree health benefits of state workers

28 65 7

Promising state workers no furlough days, and providing them with a $750 bonus

25 59 16

Increasing the county income tax to the maximum allowed by law to avoid cuts in essential services

25 68 7

Increasing the gasoline tax to bolster the transportation trust fund

17 80 3

State and County Issues Spring 2011

Proposal Support

Oppose

Unsure/NA

Increase the toll on the Bay Bridge from $2.50 to $4.00

33 64 4

Create a new tax on ownership of vehicles

10 86 4

Increase the state’s property tax, adding $63 million to the fund

11 86 3

Increase the corporate income tax rate by one percent, adding $100 million to the fund

57 39 4

Support for Proposals meant to Replenish Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund

Fall 2011

Presidential job approvalPresidential job approval

Obama’s Job Approval by Party Obama’s Job Approval by Party

RegistrationRegistration

Trust in Political Parties – Spring 2009 to Fall

2011