Background Memo  

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from March 27 through April 2 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 685 registered voters aged 18 and over.  The sampling error for 685 adults is +/- 4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence.  Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. PublicMind interviews are conducted by TMR, Inc. of Parsippany, NJ.  Professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) System. Random selection is achieved by computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Registered voters are screened through a series of questions. Results are mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

Question: Now, turning to New Jersey… In your opinion, do you think things in New Jersey are moving in the right direction or do you think the state has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question:  Have you heard of [rotate list]? If you haven't just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …? Would that be very or somewhat?

• Jon Corzine

Question: How would you rate the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor…[READ]?

• Excellent
• Good
• Only fair
• Poor

Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor?

Question: Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about the New Jersey State budget.  How much have you heard or read about the Governor's proposed state budget for the coming year…?

• Nothing at all
• Only a little
• Some
• A great deal

Question: Now in order to balance the budget, some people say….  Others say to balance the budget…. Which position comes closest to your view?

• … the state should hold the line on spending even if state programs are reduced
• ... the state should raise taxes if necessary and continue to support state programs

Question: In order to raise money a number of proposals have been discussed.  For each of these proposals, can you tell me whether you think it's a good idea or a bad idea?

• Raise the sales tax from 6 cents to 7 cents.

If sales tax is bad idea, ask: Would you     rather... or…?

• Raise the sales tax from 6 cents to 7 cents
• Make even steeper cuts in state programs

• Increase the cigarette tax by 35 cents per pack
• Increase the tax on the sale of commercial property worth over a million dollars.
• Increase the wholesale tax on beer, wine, and liquor.
• Don't fully restore property tax rebates.
• Apply the sales tax to some new things such as limousine service, lawn care, haircuts, or health club memberships.
• Increase the registration fee for cars that cost over $45,000.
• Add a two and a half per cent surcharge to the Corporate Business Tax

Question:  In order to close the budget deficit, a number of proposals to hold back spending have also been discussed. For each of these proposals, tell me whether you think it's is good idea, a bad idea…

• Don't increase state aid to cities and towns 
• Cut state aid for colleges and universities.
• Eliminate 1000 state jobs.
• Hold the line on state aid for public school districts.
• Don't fully restore property tax rebates.

Question: Taking everything into account, do you think the budget Gov. Corzine has proposed is good for New Jersey or bad for New Jersey?

Question: Now, thinking about taxes, who or what do you think is most responsible for driving up state taxes over the years?

• Public schools
• Roads and highways
• Local government
• Health care and pension costs for public employees
• Fraud, waste, and abuse
• Just normal growth

Question: Now, thinking about property taxes… Do you expect property taxes where you live to increase this year, decrease, or stay about the same?... a little or a lot?

• Increase a lot
• Increase a little
• Stay same
• Decrease a little
• Decrease a lot

see also:
Survey Analysis
Democratic Comment
Republican Comment
Tabular Results