New Poll Asks Democrats About Public Education, Vaccinations, Housing, and More

DATE: December 16, 2019

CONTACT: Amy Dowell | amy@dfer.org

New Poll Asks Democrats About Public Education, Vaccinations, Housing, and More

December 16, 2019 — According to a Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey of likely Connecticut Democratic primary voters—commissioned by Education Reform Now Advocacy CT, DFER CT’s 501(c)(4) affiliate—the majority of the Party believes Connecticut should take action to increase equity and opportunity in the areas of public education, vaccination requirements, and housing.

“While many of these heated conversations are under way in the Capitol and across Connecticut, this data shows far more consensus on these critical and timely issues than some naysayers have suggested,” said Amy Dowell, State Director of ERNA CT.

“Democratic voters decisively want more fairness, opportunity, and strong leadership on issues like educational equity, affordable housing, and the sharing of resources. The public agrees that if Connecticut wants to grow a competitive economy and workforce, the state must make strategic investments in schools and communities. We hope, as the legislative session begins in a few weeks, we can count on state leaders to act.”

Key Findings:

• 69% of Democratic primary voters in Connecticut believe that the way in which communities are divided—based on race and socio-economic status—is contributing to the state’s economic challenges, while only 13% disagree.

• 77% of Democratic primary voters believe the religious exemption to vaccines should be eliminated so that parents are required to vaccinate against infectious diseases, while only 13% believe the exemption should not be eliminated.

• A large majority—71%—support providing families with more choice in the public school system, including public charter schools, magnet schools, and career academies, with only 18% opposing this.

• 83% of Democratic primary voters believe that state and local governments have a responsibility to take steps to increase affordable housing, while only 9% disagree.

• 59% of likely Democratic primary voters in Connecticut believe that not only should the state’s public schools receive additional funding, but also that new ideas are needed to make changes to how schools operate.

• A majority (60%) also agree that regionalization proposals which would allow for the voluntary sharing of school services and collaboration with other school districts must be considered. Only 23% do not think these proposals should be considered.

About the methodology: PPP surveyed 710 likely Democratic primary voters in Connecticut from December 6-7, 2019. The margin of error is +/- 3.7%. 50% of interviews for the survey were conducted by telephone and 50% by text message. Read the full Public Policy Polling memo here.

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About DFER CT:

DFER CT is an organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates who are champions of public education. As education progressives, we’re building a pipeline of Democratic leaders who will improve our education system so that it better serves students and families. We advance policies and practices based on democratic values, with a goal of: increasing equity, protecting civil rights and the social safety net, and promoting great educational opportunities for all. DFER CT is the state chapter of a national political organization. It is the affiliate organization to Education Reform Now CT.