THE SECOND ANNUAL PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY OF KANSAS 1986

Abstract

This is a summary of the major findings of the 1986 poll of Kansas public opinion: 1) Over 84% of the respondents rated the state as an excellent or good place to live, while only 16% rated it as fair or poor. 2) Less than 7% of the respondents believe Kansas has an excellent image in other areas of the country. 3) The percentage of respondents who believe the economy of Kansas is remaining about the same was 52%, 15% thought it was declining, and 33% considered it to be improving. 4) About half of the respondents (49%) were in agreement with bold, new actions by state and local governments to encourage economic development. 5) Support was indicated for increasing farm, education, health care, and prison expenditures. 6) The survey shows 45% of the sample in support of a one percent increase in the state sales tax and 43% opposed to such increase. 7) Pari-mutuel betting on horses is supported by 57% of the sample and opposed by 18%. 8) Most Kansans favor a state lottery (63% to 22%). 9) Most Kansans believe a lid should be placed on medical malpractice awards (74% to 16%). 10) A majority of the respondents favor a mandatory seat-belt law (59% to 30%). 11) Only 2.3% of the sample considered the Kansas laws against drunk driving too tough, while a majority believed them about right or not tough enough.