Unprepared Idaho

Statewide Survey of 500 Idaho Voters

DCs Next Budget Crisis Is Our Problem

Methodology
Statewide survey of 500 registered voters in Idaho. Interviews conducted January 20 22, 2014. Sample drawn using registered voter lists in Idaho. Sampling controls used to ensure proportionate and representative number of interviews across gender, age, racial/ethnic, and regional lines. 4.4% overall margin of error at the 95% confidence interval for this statewide wide survey. M.O.E.s for subgroups are larger.

Should we see federal funds?

Idahoans believe their state is more self-sufficient than it actually is. Many believe (incorrectly) that less than 30% of the states budget comes from DC. Over 80% believe Idaho should keep an inventory of federal funds going into the state. Registered voters in Idaho are nearly unequivocal in their beliefs that state legislative priorities should include a plan for fiscal readiness and annual inventory/recordkeeping Idahoans dont know about federal funds, but want to

89%

The Idaho state government conducting an annual inventory and recordkeeping of federal funds coming into the state
6%

Support

Oppose

Should we know the risks?

Over two-thirds want to see the influence of the federal government reduced in Idahos state government. Overwhelmingly, voters agree that if it sounds too good to be true, it is: nothing free from Washington comes without a true cost and strings attached.

Idahoans dont buy the free stuff argument

90%

Federal government funds to state government are never free, and usually come with strings attached.

8%

Agree

Disagree

Should we plan for future cuts?

Over 80% of Idahoans believe the state should have a contingency plan for financial readiness in case federal funding is reduced. Although nearly all surveyed say that financial preparedness is important, not many believe that Idaho has reached this goal.

Idahoans want to plan responsibly, and know that we havent

2%

5%

4%

Some states are making preparations in case federal funding for that state is reduced due to budgetary changes in Washington, D.C. In your opinion, how important is it for Idaho to be financially prepared for this possibility?

23%

67%

VERY IMPORTANT SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT JUST A LITTLE BIT IMPORTANT NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT DO NOT KNOW/CANNOT JUDGE

State versus federal solutions?

80% majority agree that state-run programs allocate funds better than fed programs. They consistently and strongly prefer state government prominence if not autonomy and correspondingly, a distaste for the federal government and its long reach across the country. A solid majority would be more likely to support a candidate for office that campaigned on reducing federal funds to Idaho in order to limit the federal governments influence.
Idahoans overwhelmingly trust government thats closer to home

2% 8% 5% 14%

14%

Thinking about the handling of your tax dollarsDo you have more confidence in your STATE government or the FEDERAL government in Washington?

55%

DEF. STATE GOV. PROB. FED. GOV. BOTH (VOL.)

PROB. STATE GOV. DEF. FED. GOV. NEITHER (VOL.)

Would you be more or less likely to vote for a candidate if they campaigned on reducing or rejecting some federal monies in order to limit the federal government influence in Idaho? 59% 40% 18% 26% 7% 19% 14% 1% TOTAL MORE LIKELY (NET) MUCH MORE LIKELY SOMEWHAT MORE LIKELY TOTAL LESS LIKELY (NET) SOMEWHAT LESS LIKELY MUCH LESS LIKELY DO NOT KNOW (VOL.) REFUSED (VOL.)

Bottom Line
Idahoans want to see where federal funds are spent
They want to know what risks accompany those funds And they want to prepare for the next DC spending crisis

Unprepared Idaho
Statewide Survey of 500 Idaho Voters
DCs Next Budget Crisis Is Our Problem