Middle-Out Economics: Communicating Policies The Empower Workers

Middle-Out Economics: Communicating Policies The Empower Workers

SiX and the Rural Democracy Initiative co-sponsored a webinar on new polling from the Winning Jobs Narrative Project, a working people-centered narrative architecture for talking about jobs, work, and the economy that resonates across race, geography, and issues.

Following an ambitious research agenda, the Winning Jobs Narrative team has developed a narrative architecture that progressive advocates and leaders can draw from to frame a broad range of issues.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization SiX works in close coordination with legislators, advocacy groups, think tanks, and activists to provide the tools and information legislators need to be successful. SiX’s resources are free of charge to state legislators and staff.

Americans Want Community Investment, Not Cuts

A recent poll surveying Americans in Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart, shows voters’ strong support for: state investment in ensuring residents are safe, healthy, and economically secure; progressive solutions to revenue shortfalls; and policies that benefit workers like paid sick days, enhanced unemployment benefits, and child care. A majority also believe the state government should address economic barriers that impact Black people. The survey was conducted online and by phone in late June/early July and included results from more than 5,000 respondents.

Voters are against budget cuts

By a three-to-one margin, voters want their state government to invest in residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (60%) rather than lowering taxes and cutting funds to services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (19%). Voters see a major or some role for state government in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (91%)
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 public education (86%)
Stopping the spread of coronavirus (85%)
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (83%)
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%)

Ensure workers have access to paid sick days and paid family leave (71%)
Ensure access to affordable housing (70%)
Acknowledge and address systemic racism (68%)
Ensure access to affordable child care (67%)
Reducing income inequality by raising the minimum wage and increasing taxes on the wealthy (63%)

Voters support progressive solutions to revenue shortfalls

Voters support a wide range of proposals to raise revenue to prevent large budget cuts to things like education, health care, infrastructure, and human services, including:

Close corporate tax loopholes (87%);
Increase taxes and financial penalties on companies that pollute our air and water (85%)’
Increase taxes on the wealthiest individuals (73%);
Increase taxes on those making over $250,000 a year (71%);
Create a carbon tax paid by companies based on how much carbon they emit (69%);
Increase taxes on profitable corporations (64%).

Voters are with workers

Voters strongly support policies that would provide immediate pocketbook relief for families and workers, including:

Provide low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (93%);
Ban the practice of surprise medical billing (89%);
Extend the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Limit what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (87%);
Offer people the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (87%);
Create an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (80%); and
Require workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (79%)
Eliminate tax breaks for corporations and large businesses that don’t offer paid sick and family leave and health care to their employees (74%)
Extending the length of time workers can receive unemployment benefits (58%)

A majority of voters side with workplace safety requirements (55%) over liability protections for corporations (26%).

Voters want state government to remove racial barriers in the economy

Nearly 7-in-10 voters across the target states believe state government should play an active role in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism (68%). Voters also believe the state government should address economic barriers faced by Black Americans (57%).

Click here for more results.

New Poll Shows Minnesotans Want Action to Address Systemic Racism & COVID-19

Overwhelming support for bold policy solutions to address systemic racism surfaces as a top priority. Coronavirus is a close second.

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protest movement, a recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart shows Minnesota voters hold deep concerns over systemic racism, COVID impacts on elections, and economic barriers.

Voters See Expanded Role for Government in Addressing Crisis

In an open ended question Minnesotans cited racism, injustice and police brutality as a top concern (26%), followed closely by the COVID pandemic (19%). Voters see the state government playing a major role during this crisis in the following areas:

Safely and fairly administering elections (89%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (86%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (82%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (79%);
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%);
Equal pay for equal work (76%);
State government should have a role in addressing systemic racism (67%); and
Reducing barriers that stop Black people from voting (65%).

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Although voting in-person on Election Day remains the most popular option (56%), a sizable portion of Minnesota voters report that they will vote by mail (32%), and just a few indicate they plan on voting early in-person (11%).

Whether or not they are choosing to vote in person or by mail, voters supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (85%);
Allow voters to cast their ballot at any polling location in their county (60%);
Count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, but received after (63%); and
Immediately notify voters if there is a problem with their mail-in ballot (86%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact on Unemployment and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

By a nearly three-to-one margin, Minnesota voters want state governments to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (56%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (20%).

Nearly 4-in-10 Minnesota respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (39%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (85%) and losing work and income (84%). Minnesotans also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (50%).

Given the current crisis, Minnesotans support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (95%);
Banning the practice of surprise medical billing (92%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (90%);
Offering people in Minnesota the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (88%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (79%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (78%).

Click here for more results.

After Voting Debacle, New Poll Shows Wisconsinites Want Election Security

Overwhelming support for state investment to ensure health and economic security while also bolstering a fair election

In the wake of Wisconsin’s much-criticized spring elections, a recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart shows Wisconsin voters broadly support reforms to safely administer elections, increase the role of the state government, and address health & safety.

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Wisconsin voters strongly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (86%). Voters are split between planning to vote by mail (45%) and vote in-person on Election Day (39%).

Whether or not they are choosing to vote in person or by mail, voters supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (87%);
Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (86%);
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (62%);
Count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, but received after (76%); and
Immediately notify voters if there is a problem with their mail-in ballot (85%).

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Wisconsin

When asked if the state government should play a role in investing in the health, economic, and overall security of the people, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (86%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (83%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (79%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (79%);
Equal pay for equal work (78%); and
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%).

Voters Concerned about Pandemic’s Impact on Health & Safety and Support Bold Economic Policies

Almost 6-in-10 Wisconsin voters want the state government to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (57%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (21%).

Over 1-in-3 Wisconsin respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (33%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (83%), losing work and income (81%), and being unable to afford rent or mortgage (69%). Wisconsinites also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (52%).

Given the current crisis, Wisconsinites support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (93%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (89%);
Offering people in Wisconsin the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (86%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (83%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (74%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (74%).

Click here for more results.

New Poll Shows Mississippians Want Bold Policy Action

In a recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart, Missippians expressed a strong desire for bold policy action by the state government to address the impact of COVID on the economy and election safety and accessibility.

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact on Health and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

Mississippi voters want state governments to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (55%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (19%).

Nearly 2-in-5 Mississippi respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (39%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (87%) and losing work and income (90%). Mississippians also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (52%).

Given the current crisis, Mississippians support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (97%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (93%);
Offering people in Mississippi the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (91%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (90%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (88%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (83%).

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Mississippi voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (92%). An overwhelming majority of Mississippians plan to vote in-person on Election Day (80%) because alternatives are limited, even during the pandemic..

Missippians support policies to ensure the election is accessible for all eligible voters and want voters have a range of safe options when registering and casting their ballots:

Allow eligible voters to register to online (63%);
Allow eligible voters to register to vote on Election Day (61%);
Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (86%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (78%);
Allow any registered Mississippi voter to vote by mail (63%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (54%).

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Mississippi

When asked if the state government should play a role in investing in the health, economic, and overall security of the people, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (92%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (88%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (88%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (85%);
Equal pay for equal work (84%); and
Ensuring access to affordable health care (79%).

Click here for more results.

New Poll Shows Georgia Voters’ Deep Concern About Pandemic

Strong support for bold policy solutions to help working families, businesses, and ensure the safety and accessibility of elections

The coronavirus surfaces as the top issue priority for Georgia voters and this concern cuts across partisan lines. A recent poll conducted by TargetSmart and commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Georgians have deep concerns about the pandemic’s impact on the 2020 elections and the economy.

Georgians Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections and Reduce Barriers for Black Voters

Georgia voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (92%). Georgians are split on how they plan to vote in November, with fairly even shares of voters reporting intentions to vote early in person (30%), by mail (30%), and in-person on Election Day (37%).

Whether or not they are choosing to vote in person or by mail, voters supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (90%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (85%);
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (67%);
Offer mail-in ballot tracking (87%);
Count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, but received after (67%); and
Immediately notify voters if there is a problem with their mail-in ballot (90%).

Notably, Georgians agree that the state should reduce barriers that stop Black people from voting (68%) and a majority of voters (56%) agree that systemic racism has prevented Black people and other people of color from being able to participate fully in our democracy.

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Georgia

When asked if the state government should play a role in investing in the health, economic, and overall security of the people, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (92%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (87%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (86%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (83%);
Equal pay for equal work (80%); and
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact on Health and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

By a nearly three-to-one margin, Georgia voters want state governments to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (61%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (20%).

Over 2-in-5 Georgia respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (41%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (85%) and losing work and income (87%). Georgians also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (62%).

Given the current crisis, Georgians support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (92%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (85%);
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (85%);
Offering people in Georgia the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (84%); and
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (81%).

Click here for more results.

New Poll Shows Coronavirus Pandemic is the Main Issue on Texans’ Minds

Strong support for bold policy solutions to help working families and ensure safe and accessible elections

A recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart shows that Texans hold deep concerns about the risk COVID-19 poses to their health, the impact on the economy and the election and they support bold policy action.

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Texas voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (89%). Given the limited options for voters even during a pandemic, voters report they will still plan to vote early in-person (53%) or on Election Day (29%). Even though the state has taken steps to make vote by mail more difficult, 15% of Texans still prefer that option.

Texans strongly support policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (89%);
Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (88%);
Allow any registered Texas voter to vote by mail (63%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (57%).

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Texas

When asked if the state government should play a role in some of the issues facing working families, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (87%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (83%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (83%);
Equal pay for equal work (77%); and
Ensuring access to affordable health care (73%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact on Health and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

By a nearly three-to-one margin, Texas voters want the state government to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (62%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (18%).

Over 1-in-3 Texas respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (35%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (79%) and losing work and income (83%). Texans also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (57%).

Given the current crisis, Texans support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (94%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (87%);
Offering people in Texas the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (86%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (79%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (78%);

Click here for more results.

10 State Poll: Americans Support Bold Policy Solutions

Intense support for commonsense election reforms and solutions to create economic security

A recent poll surveying voters in Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart, shows voters support policies to ensure accessible elections and a desire for more state investment to ensure people are economically secure.

DEMOCRACY

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Voters in the ten states overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (91%). States strongly support policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (86%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (82%);
Allow any registered voter to vote by mail (76%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (62%).

Voters Are Concerned About USPS and Having Their Vote Counted

The politicization of Vote by Mail and the partisan attacks on the United States Postal Service have eroded faith in the ability to have mail-in ballots count. The poll shows that half of all voters are concerned that the mail system in their state cannot be relied upon to get vote-by-mail ballots to election officials in time to be counted in the election. This concern is higher among Black voters (60%) and Latinx voters (53%).

Voters Want State Government to Remove Racial Barriers to Voting

Nearly 7-in-10 voters across the target states also indicate that they believe state government should play an active role in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism (68%). Accordingly, two-thirds of voters across these target states believe their state government should reduce barriers that prevent Black people from voting (65%).

HEALTH AND THE ECONOMY

Voters Concerned about Health and Safety, Want Protections and Investment

A majority of voters side with workplace safety requirements (55%) over liability protections for corporations (26%).

Respondents support expanding unemployment insurance and other economic policies

Nearly three in five voters support extending the length of time that workers can receive expanded unemployment benefits. Support for this policy is particularly high among Black voters (84%) and voters under 50 (67%). Voters also strongly supported policies that would provide immediate pocketbook relief for many, including:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (93%);
Banning surprise medical bills (89%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (87%);
Offering people the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (87%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (80%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (79%).

Click here for more results.

Tennessee Supreme Court Ruling Adds Urgency To Special Legislative Session

New poll shows Tennesseans want action to ensure safe, accessible elections and to help workers

Yesterday, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that the coronavirus pandemic which has infected nearly 5 million Americans and killed more than 150,00 is not an acceptable reason to vote absentee in the November election in Tennessee. However, new polling commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart shows Tennessee wants action from state legislators during the special session to ensure that Tennesseans do not have to choose between their health and their vote in November.

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Tennessee voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has an important role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (96%).

Tenneseans support policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (88%);
Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (84%);
Allow any registered Tennessee voters to vote by mail (66%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (52%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact on Unemployment and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

By a three-to-one margin, Tennessee voters want state governments to invest in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (58%) rather than the state keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure, and unemployment insurance (18%).

Roughly 1-in-3 Tennessee respondents reported they have been laid-off or had their hour cut (34%). Voters express grave concerns about small business closures (85%) and losing work and income (88%). Tennesseans also believe businesses should be required to provide safe working conditions or be penalized for negligence if workers get sick (52%).

Given the current crisis, Tennesseans support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (95%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (92%);
Offering people in Tennessee the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (91%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (89%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (84%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (81%).

Click here for more results.

Arizonans Overwhelmingly Support Proactive Policies in COVID Crisis

Strong support for progressive solutions to help working families and ensure the accessibility of elections

A recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Arizona voters hold deep concerns over the risk that COVID-19 poses to their health and the impact on the economy. The poll showed that Arizonans believe that the government should play a constructive role in people’s lives.

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Arizona

When asked if the state government should play a role in some of the issues facing working families, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (93%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (89%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (86%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (85%);
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%); and
Equal pay for equal work (77%).

Voters Overwhelmingly Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Arizona voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (93%). The majority of Arizonans report that they will vote by mail in the November election (77%). However some Arizonans still report that they will go to the polls on Election Day (14%), or that they will vote early in person (7%).

Voters overwhelmingly supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible:

Allow any registered Arizona voter to vote by mail (87%);
Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (85%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (80%);
Allow Arizona voters to cast their ballots at any polling location in their county (74%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (72%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact and Strongly Support Progressive Economic Policies

Two out of three voters believe Arizona state government should invest more in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (65%) rather than state government keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, unemployment, and health insurance (16%).

Arizona has been hard hit by the pandemic with one in three reporting that they have been laid off or had their hours cut (34%). Arizonans report they are concerned about the people losing work and income due to the virus (87%), small businesses and restaurants closing down permanently (85%), unable to afford their rent or mortgage (76%) and people being forced to choose between their health and their job (72%).

Given the current crisis, Arizonans support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many and make life easier:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (91%);
Banning the practice of surprise medical billing (89%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (88%);
Offering people in Arizona the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (87%); and
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (85%).

Click here for more results.

As State Legislature Goes Into Special Session, New Poll Shows Nevadans Support Action on Threats Created by COVID Crisis

Strong support for bold policy solutions to help working families and ensure the safety and accessibility of elections

As the Nevada state legislature is set to begin a special session to address COVID-19 related issues, a recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Nevada voters hold deep concerns over the risk that COVID-19 poses to their health, the impact on the economy and the election and they support bold policy action.

Voters Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Nevada voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (89%). The majority of Nevadans report that they will vote either early in person (39%) or vote by mail (34%). However one-in-five believe that they will go to the polls (22% on Election Day).

Whether or not they are choosing to vote in person or by-mail, voters supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible for all eligible voters:

Open additional polling locations to reduce crowds and lines (92%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (87%);
Allow any registered Nevada voter to vote by mail (74%); and
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (61%).

"Nevadans want this legislature to take action to ensure all eligible voters have the opportunity to vote and aren’t forced to choose between their health and their vote," said Stacey Shinn, Nevada State Director for SiX.

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Nevada

When asked if the state government should play a role in some of the issues facing working families, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (89%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (85%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (84%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (82%);
Equal pay for equal work (78%); and
Ensuring access to affordable health care (77%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact and Strongly Support Bold Economic Policies

By a three-to-one margin, voters believe Nevada state government should invest more in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (58%) rather than state government keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, infrastructure and unemployment insurance (23%).

Nevada has been hard hit by the pandemic with over half of respondents reporting that they have been laid off or had their hours cut (52%). Nevadans report they are concerned about the people losing work and income due to the virus (89%), small businesses and restaurants closing down permanently (89%) and people of Nevada unable to afford their rent or mortgage (81%).

Given the current crisis, Nevadans support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many and make life easier for working families:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (94%);
Offering people in Nevada the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (90%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (86%);
Extending the grace period for people to pay health insurance bills before their coverage can be canceled (86%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (79%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (77%).

“These results show how hard hit Nevada has been by this pandemic. People all across this state are hurting and they strongly support bold policy action by this legislature,” said Shinn.

Click here for more results.

###

Michiganders Want State Lawmakers to Act on Threats of COVID Crisis

Strong support for progressive solutions to help working families and ensure the safety and security of elections

A recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Michigan voters hold deep concerns over the risk that COVID-19 poses to their health and the impact on the economy. The poll showed that Michiganders believe that the government should play a constructive role in people’s economic lives.

The Role of Government in Issues Facing Michigan

When asked if the state government should play a role in some of the issues facing working families, voters overwhelmingly supported government engagement in:

Safely and fairly administering elections (87%);
Ensuring equal access to high-quality K-12 education (84%);
Stopping the spread of the coronavirus (85%);
Ensuring struggling families and children have access to food (83%);
Equal pay for equal work (77%); and
Acknowledging and addressing systemic racism (69%).

Voters Overwhelmingly Support Steps to Ensure Safe and Accessible Elections

Michigan voters overwhelmingly believe that the state government has a role to play in safely and fairly administering elections (87%). The majority of Michiganders report that they will vote by mail in the November election (60%). However one-in-three believe that they will go to the polls (34%).

Voters overwhelmingly supported policies to ensure the election is safe and accessible:

Allow any registered Michigan voter to vote by mail (80%);
Lengthen the window for early voting and allow voters to cast ballots in person up through the day before Election Day (75%);
Mail all registered voters applications to vote-by-mail (72%); and
Allow elections officials to begin processing mail-in ballots before Election Day (69%).

Voters Concerned about COVID Impact and Strongly Support Progressive Economic Policies

By a three-to-one margin, voters believe Michigan state government should invest more in its residents to ensure they are safe, healthy, and economically secure (58%) rather than state government keeping taxes low and cutting funds to key services like education, unemployment, and health insurance (18%).

As for how legislators should address the potential budget shortfalls due to COVID, respondents overwhelmingly favored closing corporate tax loopholes (90%) and increasing taxes and financial penalties on companies that pollute Michigan’s air and water (88%). There is also strong support–77%–for increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals in Michigan.

Eight-in-ten voters are concerned about people in Michigan losing work and income due to the coronavirus outbreak. Michiganders are equally concerned about small businesses and restaurants closing down permanently in Michigan (81%).

A majority of voters also support measures that would benefit those returning to work and those who remain unemployed, including requiring businesses to provide safe working conditions and penalties if workers get sick (56%) and extending the length of time that laid-off workers can receive unemployment compensation and increasing the amount they receive (55%).

Given the current crisis, Michiganders support policies that will address the economic hardships being faced by many and make life easier for working families:

Providing low-interest loans to small businesses to help them make it through the crisis (91%);
Limiting what drug companies can charge for prescription drugs (88%);
Offering people in Michigan the option to buy into the same public health insurance plans that are available to state employees if they want to (87%);
Creating an insurance plan to provide paid family and medical leave for employees (81%); and
Requiring workplaces to provide paid sick days to their employees (80%).

Click here for more results.

###

Pennsylvanians Support Progressive Agenda in Harrisburg

A recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Pennsylvanians are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and support widespread testing, prioritize working people in the economic response, and support reforms to make our democracy stronger.

Pennsylvanians Broadly Support Widespread Free Coronavirus Testing, Vaccination, and Treatment

Residents strongly agree with:

Widespread testing (66 percent strongly agree, 89 percent total agree)
Widespread testing and vaccination of Pennsylvanians (65 percent agree, 89 percent total agree).
Coronavirus testing and treatment should involve no out-of-pocket costs (56 percent strongly agree, 82 percent total agree)

Pennsylvania Voters Support Various Economic Responses that Prioritize Working People

A majority of residents agree that:

Corporations and big businesses should spend their bailout and tax cut money on their employees, rather than on stock buybacks and bonuses (83 percent total agree)
State government should expand unemployment benefits throughout the state so more people can qualify for benefits (81 total support)
State government should create relief packages for small businesses that continue paying their staff and pledge to avoid layoffs (81 percent total agree)

Additionally, when presented with two possible solutions for addressing Pennsylvania’s budget shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic, a solid majority of people gravitate toward the progressive argument for increasing taxes on the wealthy and out-of-state corporations. Nearly two in three Pennsylvanians express a preference for increased taxes while fewer than one in three voters prefer spending cuts on core services.

Pennsylvanians are also broadly open to a range of working people’s policies, including a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, and paid sick leave.

Democracy Reform Agenda Broadly Popular, Particularly Among Black Voters

Pennsylvanians are very supportive of democracy reforms, including:

Investments in election technology and conducting mandatory audits (76 percent total support, 87 percent of Black residents support)
The creation of an automatic voter registration program in Pennsylvania (60 percent total support)
Sending mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters (59 percent total support, 86 percent of Black residents support)
The creation of community vote centers and designated curbside ballot drop-offs (53 percent total support, 80 percent of Black residents support)

For the full poll memo, see here.

2019-2020 Polling on Earned Income Tax Credits and Revenue Policy

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax cut for working families. The federal EITC was established during the Reagan administration as a way to reduce poverty and to reward people who work in low-wage industries. In addition, the District of Columbia and 29 states have a state EITC which provides a vital source of income for tens of millions of low-wage workers

State polling conducted over the course of 2019 and 2020 to broadly educate legislators, partners, and the public showed that among likely voters, there is strong support for policies that provide working families with economic security. Polling found high levels of support for the Earned Income Tax Credit as well as responsible revenue policies that ensure everyone pays their fair share, for example:

Florida and North Carolina voters responded overwhelmingly in support of establishing a state EITC;
North Carolinians appreciate EITC language focusing on helping working families;
In Maryland, voters responded positively to taxing wealthier individuals and corporations; and
Michigan voters support the move from a flat to a graduated income tax structure.

For the full memo see here.

For more on EITC, watch this webinar hosted by SiX, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Economic Security Project, and Economic Security for IL.

Commonsense Gun Safety Reforms Receive Broad Bipartisan Support in Colorado

A recent poll conducted by Strategies 360 for the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows that Coloradans strongly support progressive solutions to improve gun safety. Across the board from liberals to conservatives, these commonsense policies receive overwhelming support statewide.

Lost and Stolen Reporting and Safe Storage

Seven in ten Colorado voters favor holding gun owners legally accountable for failing to store their guns securely and for failing to report lost or stolen guns. Colorado voters are demanding action on gun reform as a result of the dramatic and pervasive violence that has permeated every corner of the state. Both measures earn the strong support of at least half the electorate, while just a quarter oppose them. Majorities of liberals (87%), moderates (70%), and conservatives (59%) back safe storage accountability. A similarly diverse coalition stands behind accountability for failing to report lost or stolen guns (87% of liberals, 74% of moderates, and 60% of conservatives).

See the full survey memo here.

Survey Methodology: Strategies 360 conducted a survey of 600 registered voters in Colorado from January 2-5, 2020. Interviews were conducted on landlines and cell phones. The margin of error for a survey of 600 interviews is ±4.0% at the 95% confidence level.

Health care costs, support for working people top concerns in new Michigan poll

Voters support health care reforms and progressive economic initiatives

A recent poll conducted by Lincoln Park Strategies for SiX shows that economic concerns around the skyrocketing cost of health care and prescription drugs remain key issues for Michigan residents. It highlights that progressive policy solutions like addressing the abuses of drug companies, capping copays, and demanding more transparency are priorities for voters and would make a real difference for Michigan families.

Voters continue to support working people when it comes to measures that expand eligibility for overtime protections, prevent wage theft and payroll fraud, and create a student bill of rights for higher education loan borrowers. They also favor corporations paying their fair share of taxes, particularly as the state continues to grapple with finding enough revenue to invest in priorities like roads and schools.

Residents want action to improve election security

The survey also explored attitudes around the status of election security, openness to further voting reforms, and census participation. Michigan residents value more secure election systems and expect state lawmakers to address it. A majority of respondents supports taking the reforms approved by voters last year a step further by automatically mailing a ballot to all voters. A plurality are also interested in using the new online option for participating in the census next year.

For the polling on health care and economic issues, see more results here and analysis here. For the polling analysis on election security and the census, see here.

Survey Methodology

1,200 total interviews among registered voters were conducted from November 7-18, 2019
Interviews were conducted online, and over the phone (both landline and cell phones)
Results were weighted to ensure proportional response.
The margin of error for overall results is ±2.8% at the 95% confidence level. This number is higher for subgroups.

North Carolinians’ Attitudes on Key Progressive Issues Strongly Positive

State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the NC Budget and Tax Center (BTC) recently collaborated on an online focus group to test North Carolina voters’ attitudes on the state’s tax system, thoughts on public assistance programs, voting rights and other issues. This survey asked 150 white swing voters and 150 voters of color to provide their opinions and react to key arguments around a range of progressive policy solutions. The results showed that these groups equally support a fair tax system, helping working families gain financial security, ending gerrymandering, providing greater access to the ballot box, and more legislative efforts to ensure an economy that works for everyone.

Results of the survey can be found here.

Broad Popular Support for Economic Security Reforms Among Colorado Voters

SUPPORT FOR A PAID FAMILY LEAVE PROGRAM

A recent poll conducted by Strategies 360 for State Innovation Exchange (SiX) revealed that Colorado voters overwhelmingly support a paid family and medical leave program that is available to all Colorado workers. Across age, gender, and geography, a strong majority of Coloradans favor the creation of a paid insurance program that is funded by employees and employers. From working families who are expecting children to older adults who face potential medical emergencies, Coloradans have spoken in favor of an insurance program that works for everyone in their most difficult moments.

Click here for the full results.

SUPPORT FOR A STATE-BACKED RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Coloradans are equally enthusiastic about a proposal to create a retirement savings plan accessible to all workers and backed by the State of Colorado. The popularity of this program transcends ideology and income, as 69% of Colorado voters support the idea. With nearly a quarter of respondents reporting that they have no retirement plan, a state-wide program has obvious appeal. Additionally, there remains intense support for the program even for those with an existing retirement plan. In the 21st century, Colorado workers understand the value of a retirement plan that moves with an individual from job to job.

Click here for the full results.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Strategies 360 conducted an online survey among 600 registered voters in Colorado. The survey was conducted June 21 - 26, 2019. The margin of error for a survey of 600 interviews is ±4.0% at the 95% confidence level for each individual sample. Respondents were randomly selected from a statewide panel of residents and screened on their voter registration status.

Widespread Support for Progressive Agenda Among Michigan Voters

Key Findings from Michigan Statewide Polls for the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) reflect voter support for democratic reforms and progressive solutions to economic issues

A recent poll conducted by TargetSmart for SiX revealed that Michigan voters are hungry for concrete improvements in the everyday life of the average person and their family. From safe, modern roads to affordable auto insurance, prescription drugs, and doctor’s visits, Michiganders prioritize tangible impacts that help working people. Moreover, Michigan voters see a clear role for government in delivering these improvements and more broadly providing opportunities that help working families.

Voters are tired of seeing big banks book record profits while the streets they drive on every day are ridden with potholes. Their frustrations are easy to observe when they can’t afford their prescription drugs or their newly hiked up auto insurance bill but see pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies doing better than ever. Public opinion calls for an agenda that ensures everyone pays their fair share, corporations are held accountable, and state government provides opportunities that proactively make life better for working Michiganders.

Support for Democracy Reforms

A second survey found strong support for early voting and vote by mail options. Across all regions and demographics, citizens wanted to reduce the influence of money on policymaking and increase transparency.

For the polling on economic issues, see more analysis here and results here. For the polling on democratic reforms, see here and here.

Survey Methodology

TargetSmart designed and administered this multi-modal survey. Five-hundred interviews were conducted via professional telephone agents (330 wireless respondents, 170 landline respondents) from May 14-23, and 509 interviews were conducted online among panelists who were matched to the TargetSmart voter file from six opt-in panel providers from May 5-23. All respondents indicated they were 18 years or older and registered to vote in Michigan. Quotas were designed to reflect the demographic and geographic distribution of registered voters in Michigan. The data were weighted by gender, age, race, TargetSmart Partisan Score, TargetSmart High School Only Score, and region by county and county council district to ensure an accurate reflection of the population.