News
Polls show broad support
New poll shows broad support for continued effort of state to reform and increase education funding
For immediate release.
Contact: Susan Gobreski, Executive Director
Office: 215-564-2299 Mobile:267-972-8066
March 4, 2009
New results from a poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling show broad support for increasing state funding for education and continued implementation of proposed funding formula improvements. Governor Rendell announced a proposal yesterday to utilize federal stimulus dollars to fund the basic education funding level targets for 2009-2010 set by the six year plan to fix the funding formula in PA. The poll asked people to choose between two views, one which supported increasing education spending in the current economy or whether plans to make improvements should be cut back. 69% of voters support increasing basic state funding; only 24% were in support of cutting back plans.
“Skimping on education funding is penny wise and pound foolish so we are glad to see a proposal that really utilizes the stimulus in a way that is good for Pennsylvania’s future. Education is the way most people obtain or maintain a chance for a middle class life.” said Susan Gobreski, Executive Director of Education Voters PA, a public education advocacy organization which supports the proposal. “Smart planning and wise spending are the best way out of this mess and the public supports doing this – they get it. Now we need elected leaders to follow through.”
Pollster James Lee, Susquehanna Polling, said: “There is broad based support for the increase in the state share of education funding, and this crosses all political ideologies and all regions of the state.”
Final Top Line Survey Results Susquehanna Polling/Education Voters
Winter 2009 Statewide Poll Sample Size: 700 Registered Voters
Conducted: February 23-26, 2009
View and/or download the full results of the Susquehanna Polling report.
Thinking about state issues for a few minutes …
Q1. Which of the following two statements comes closer to your point of view regarding education funding …
Statement A: In a tough economy, education is an investment in the future and we must prepare children for the workforce needs of tomorrow to help grow the economy. The state must improve the education funding system and should implement the 2nd step of the 6 year plan to increase the state share of basic funding, which will also reduce the reliance on local property taxes, which will help local communities.
Statement B: In a tough economy, we can’t afford to spend any more money than we have to on education; it is already a significant expense. The state will need to cut back on plans to improve education and the funding system, even if it means we are short-changing some kids. The state can’t afford additional resources, so local communities will need to be responsible for coming up with the money for schools.
1. Strongly agree A 356 51%
2. Somewhat agree A 125 18%
3. Strongly agree B 103 15%
4. Somewhat agree B 68 10%
5. Neither/other 31 04%
6. Undecided 17 02%
Total Agree A: 69%
Total Agree B: 24%