Californians Very Concerned About Schools and Budget--Want Education Protected From Cuts

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Split on raising taxes—but support for raising taxes on wealthiest Californians
Economy is “top worry”
Schwarzenegger 41% job rating and Legislature at 26%

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) has released a massive 36 page survey taken of over 2500 Californians that focuses on education but provides a wealth of data on how residents and likely voters are thinking about a number of other issues. The survey is the 4th annual one conducted by the PPIC, a non-partisan, non-profit organization.

The poll shows strong support for education. When asked to identify the one area they want protected from spending cuts, K-12 education is by far and away the largest one identified—by 60% of Californians and 61% of likely voters. It outdistances health and human services at 15%, higher education 11%, and prisons and corrections 8%.

53% say the quality of K-12 education is a “big problem.” The high school dropout rate is seen as a big problem by 69%; only 4% say it is not really a problem. 63% of Californians and 55% of likely voters agree that additional state funding would lead to higher quality K-12 education. And there is concern over students in lower income areas—78% feel these students do not get the same level of resources including good teachers and classroom materials and if new state funding becomes available 72% would support these low income area schools getting more funding than other schools. 63% would support schools with more English language learners getting more of this funding. 60% say it is very important that art and music be part of the curriculum and another 28% agree that it is somewhat important and only 115 say it is not too important.

56% of Californians are “very concerned” that the budget gap will cause significant cuts in education and another 30% are “somewhat concerned,” combining to 86%. Only 13% said they were either not too concerned or not at all concerned. Only 1% didn’t know—a very low response to any poll question.

Yet when asked if the state needed more money just to maintain current funding “would you be willing to pay higher taxes for this purpose” [emphasis added] all adults were divided 49% yes and 48% no and likely voters 45% in support and 52% opposed. In answer to another question, by a 64% to 34% California likely voters support raising the top rate of income tax paid by the wealthiest Californians.

And in response to a number of specific questions about whether more money should be spent on different educational programs, the numbers are pretty lopsided—even if it cost the state more money. Look at these responses: