Rep. Connie Ruth: 2006 Legislative Survey Results

Dear Neighbor,

                When I began tabulation, about 550 constituents completed and returned my 2006 Legislative Survey. The results are presented in percentages of all of those answering a particular question. Many respondents choose more than one answer on the multiple choice questions. While not a scientific poll by any means, the results do give a snapshot of opinion on some issues at the Legislature this year. Thanks to those who participated!

1.    Do you support new stadiums for:

       Twins with referendum ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18%

       Twins without referendum ................................................................................................................................................................... 20

       Vikings with referendum ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17

       Vikings without referendum ................................................................................................................................................................. 19

       Gophers ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 290

       None...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51

2.     Are you likely to vote “yes” on a constitutional amendment in the 2006 general election to dedicate all funds from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) to transportation purposes?

       Yes......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 90    

       No.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

3.    Would you support a residency requirement for anyone seeking Minnesota welfare benefits?

       Yes......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 95

       No.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5     

4.    What would you suggest to improve K-12 education, knowing that funding for it makes up 40% of our state’s budget?

       Try to equalize funding with metro school districts ............................................................................................................................ 25

       Mandate that at least a certain percentage of school funding must go to instruction .......................................................................... 40

       Put more money in the K-12 formula .................................................................................................................................................. 16

       Cut waste in the K-12 budget .............................................................................................................................................................. 63

       Push for more tax credits, charter schools, or alternative choices ........................................................................................................ 21

       None of these........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

5.    Would you support laws limiting the power of the state and local governments to seize property for other private use?

       Yes ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 92

       No .........................................................................................................................................................................................................  8

6.    Should legislation providing consumers more protection against identity theft be a funding priority during the 2006   legislative session?

       Yes  ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

       No ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

7.    Which health cost reforms would you support?

       Medical savings account (tax-free accounts to buy health care) .......................................................................................................... 36

       Capping lawsuit awards for medical malpractice ................................................................................................................................. 65

       Eliminate or cut all taxes on health care & heal insurance .................................................................................................................... 40

       Use purchasing power of government to negotiate better prices ......................................................................................................... 36

       Have government provide health care and increase taxes to pay for it ................................................................................................ 16

       None of these ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7