THE THIRD ANNUAL PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY OF KANSAS

Abstract

This is a summary of major findings in the 1987 poll of Kansas public opinion. 1. Over 80% of Kansans view the state as a good or excellent place to live. 2. Kansans support a prohibition on the smoking of cigarettes in the workplace. 3. Most Kansans support drug testing for state employees whose work involves public safety. 4. A majority of Kansans support the death penalty ---9% in support, 24% in opposition, and 7% neutral. 5. Kansans are split over whether cost should be a consideration in the adoption of the death penalty -- 44% said cost should be a consideration and 56% said it should not. 6. Only 14% of those in favor of the death penalty thought it was a deterrent to murder. Another 33% giving a reason for their support said the punishment should fit the crime. 7. Most Kansans want the State to take actions to improve employment conditions for persons with disabilities. Most think rehabilitation should be the focus of government action. 8. A little less than half {42%) of the respondents aid the condition of the Kansas economy was getting worse. 9. Kansas support bold, new actions in the economic development area. 10. Asked about state budget priorities, 50% said spending for education should be cut last, and 33% said prison spending should be trimmed first. 11. Education was the first priority for spending of the federal income tax windfall. Only 1.1% ranked education last. Another 29% said the windfall should be returned to the taxpayers. 12. Kansans support a ban on the burial of radioactive waste in the state. They also support increased control over the manufacture and application of chemical pesticides.