Poll: Voters want transportation fixed, support Medicaid expansion

April 10--JACKSON -- Fixing the state's transportation system remains the top priority of a plurality of Mississippi voters, who also support expanding Medicaid to cover the working poor, according to a survey commissioned by Millsaps College.

The poll found that 29.1 percent of respondents said that fixing the state's roads and bridges should be the top priority of the state's politicians, followed by 20.2 percent saying providing more funds for public education should be the No. 1 priority.

The other top three priorities, according to the Millsaps College-Chism Strategies state of the state poll were:

* Making healthcare more accessible and affordable, 14.2 percent.

* Reducing the size of state government, 11.9 percent.

* Protecting traditional family values, 11 percent.

Legislators have been grappling with the issue of trying to develop a program to spend more money on both the state and local levels. There is a possibility, according to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant's office, that a special session could be called to address the issue.

On a separate question, by a 52.1 percent to 36.3 percent margin, poll respondents said they support expanding Medicaid to cover the uninsured as is allowed under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mississippi is one of 19 states not expanding Medicaid to cover those making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level -- $33,948 annually for a family of four. State leaders maintain funds are not available for the expansion even though the federal government would pay the bulk of the cost of the expansion.

Nathan Shrader, a political science instructor and director of American Studies at Millsaps, said certain trends are emerging from the polling efforts.

"Particularly, we find for the third consecutive quarter that Mississippians remain adamant about fixing roads and bridges, securing more funds for public schools, and improving access and affordability of health insurance in the state," Shrader stated in a news release. "These are important findings because we are now seeing clear patterns form within the electorate regarding their priorities and preferences."

The poll of 603 Mississippians, reflective of the 2015 general election turnout, was conducted by a partnership of Chism Strategies, the Millsaps College Political Science Department and the Institute of Civic and Professional Engagement at Millsaps. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent and landline and cell phone users were questioned for the March survey.

Other results from the poll include 64 percent support for increasing the cigarette tax and a split (46.4 in support and 46.5 opposed) on arming teachers. Both proposals were considered during the 2018 session, but ultimately died. Legislative leaders contend, though, school districts already have the authority to arm teachers.

By an overwhelming 76 percent to 18 percent margin, the poll indicates Mississippians would support tighter regulations on gun shows.

In terms of individual politicians, both the governor and Attorney General Jim Hood, Mississippi's only statewide elected Democrat, remain popular, poll results show.

The poll gave Bryant a 53.7 percent approval to 34.5 percent disapproval rating while Hood had a 54.9/24.7 rating. Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves rating was 38.4 approve to 33.9 disapprove.

Reeves and Hood are viewed as likely gubernatorial candidates in 2019.

The poll found that 43.7 percent said the state is heading in the right direction to 36.5 percent in the wrong direction. That was an improvement from the last poll conduced by Millsaps and Chism Strategies

President Donald Trump had a 50.7 to 44.8 approval/disapproval rating. The Mississippi Legislature had a 29.8 to 40.7 approval/disapproval rating, but people gave their individual legislator a better approval rating -- 40 percent to 29.8 percent.

bobby.harrison@journalinc.com Twitter: @bobbyharrison9

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