Poll: Voters want transportation fixed, support Medicaid expansion
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.
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.
"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
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
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.
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
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