WPR/St. Norbert Poll: Majority Fine With Vouchers, Opinions Mixed On Mining Bill

Governor Scott Walker’s proposal to expand school vouchers to another nine districts around Wisconsin has a majority of Wisconsinites in favor, according to new poll results. Opinions are mixed on newly passed mining legislation.

The Wisconsin Public Radio-St. Norbert College survey asked 400 people their opinions on a number of policies that have either passed or are making their way through the legislature.

More than half the respondents – 53 percent – are for expanding the voucher program which would use taxpayer money to subsidize private school tuition.

Wendy Scattergood is a St. Norbert College political scientist and a poll analyst. She says that support comes with a big “if.” She says nearly 90 percent of those asked say private schools should have to be held just as accountable for student performance as public.

“Forty-three percent strongly agree, and another 46 percent agree. So there’s a huge sentiment among those, whether they favor the voucher system or not, of wanting to make sure that they are held to the same standards as public schools.”

The survey asked if people like the idea of a state income tax cut outlined in the Governor’s budget. It would amount to about $80 per year for individuals.

On legislation for an iron mine in northern Wisconsin, Scattergood says sentiment is virtually split.

“It’s almost a dead heat. Forty-four percent favored it and 46 percent opposed the new permitting process. Eleven percent were not sure.”

The survey was taken last week as the mining legislation was being finalized. See the results below; data on vouchers and the mining bill begin on page 13.