[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%.