Kansas Policy Survey: Fall 2001 Survey Results

Abstract

he Kansas Policy Survey for Fall 2001 (KPS-Fall01) consisted of over 90 questions that were constructed by the Director and manager of the Survey Research Center as well as from consultation with others in the Policy Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Although the survey is not inclusive of all policy issues facing the state of Kansas, it represents a number of important issues facing the state today, including economic, social, and political issues as well as national issues, especially security and terrorism following September 11th. In terms of state policy, emphasis was placed on educational issues (which were seen as important to Kansans in the KPS-Spring01) and energy issues. Additionally, respondents were asked their beliefs about public officials and on a range of other political issues.

The results of the KPS-Fall01 provide interesting and informational insights into the perceptions and beliefs of Kansans on various issues and policies. For the most part, Kansans are satisfied with the way things are going in the state, yet there is enough data to ascertain that Kansans also want certain changes in policies in Kansas. Education tops the list of priorities of Kansans, and responses to the survey display a need and willingness to provide the resources for improvement of public schools.