New York State (NY) Poll * April 7, 2009 * New York Voters Reject New Sta - Quinnipiac University

Home> Institutes and Centers> Quinnipiac University Polling Institute> New York State (NY)> Release Detail

April 7, 2009 - New York Voters Reject New State Budget Almost 4-1, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; State Government Is Dysfunctional, Voters Say 3-1

Word format By a 60 - 16 percent margin, New York State voters disapprove of the new state budget enacted by the State Legislature last week, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. It was "business as usual in Albany," as Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders did not show the political courage to make tough decisions, voters say 65 - 26 percent.
Voters disapprove 70 - 22 percent of decision to eliminate property tax rebates from the state budget, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds. Disapproval is consistent across the political spectrum and in every area of the state. The disapproval drops to 61 - 32 percent among upper income voters for whom the rebate is a smaller portion of income.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver gets a negative 28 - 36 percent approval rating, with 36 percent undecided.
Spending increases in the state budget are needed to stimulate the economy, 39 percent of voters say, but 49 percent say the spending is "wasteful." Democrats say 55 - 32 percent the spending is needed, but "wasteful" is the verdict of Republicans 69 - 22 percent, and independent voters 54 - 34 percent.
"The brand new New York State budget gets panned. Nobody likes it, Republicans least of all. 'Necessary' or 'wasteful,' we asked of the budget. 'Wasteful' leads," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Speaker Sheldon Silver emerged from the budget fuss as the most powerful pol in Albany, as powerful as any speaker has ever been, yet a big percentage of voters don't know him well enough to decide if he's good or bad at his job. They better learn."
New York State voters approve 64 - 32 percent the decision to raise state income tax rates on families making more than $300,000 per year. Approval is 81 - 16 percent among Democrats and 58 - 40 percent among independent voters, while Republicans disapprove 53 - 42 percent. Voters also disagree 59 - 37 percent with the argument that the tax hike will drive wealthier people to leave New York.
"Will the rich folks move out, as tax hike opponents warned? Rush Limbaugh says he will, but most voters say he'll be lonely," Carroll said.
Voters agree 71 - 23 percent that New York State government is dysfunctional. The feeling is strong among Democrats, Republicans and independent voters and in every area of the state. They spread the blame evenly, with 21 percent saying Gov. Paterson is to blame; 25 percent citing Democrats in the State Legislature and 21 percent pointing to Republicans in the legislature.
Albany's budget-making practice of "three men in a room" making all the decisions continues, voters say 51 - 26 percent.
"Overall, voters agree with the 'dysfunctional' label for Albany. They spread the blame among the Governor and the legislators of both parties," Carroll said.
Gay Marriage
Given three choices, 41 percent of New York State voters say gay couples should be allowed to marry legally, while 33 percent say they should be allowed to form civil unions, but not marry and 19 percent say there should be no legal recognition of a gay union.
Among Republicans, 26 percent support gay marriage, with 36 percent for civil unions and 28 percent for no recognition. Democrats go 49 percent for gay marriage, 29 percent for civil unions and 17 percent for no recognition. Independent voters go 41 percent for gay marriage, 40 percent for civil unions and 14 percent for no recognition.
"The word among politicians is that gay marriage might pass this year. Voters split three ways, as they have for some time. Divided three ways, the gay marriage option tops the list. But if it's yes or no, where do those backers of civil unions line up?" Carroll asked.
From April 1- 5, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,528 New York State registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and nationwide as a public service and for research. For more data or RSS feed - http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.
21. In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in New York State today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Very satisfied 1% - 1% 1% - 2% 1% 3% Smwht satisfied 24 21 32 14 22 24 22 34 Smwht dissatisfied 34 27 36 38 33 35 33 35 Very dissatisfied 40 52 30 47 44 38 43 27 DK/NA 1 - 1 - 1 1 1 1 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Very satisfied 3% - 1% 2% - Smwht satisfied 13 21 20 27 27 Smwht dissatisfied 30 27 27 40 38 Very dissatisfied 53 52 52 31 33 DK/NA 1 - 1 1 2
TREND: In general, how satisfied are you with the way things are going in New York State today? Are you very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?
VERY+SMWHT SAT High Low Apr 07 Feb 18 Jan 15 Dec 24 Aug 6 Feb 25 Apr 07 2009 2009 2009 2008 2008 1998 2009 Very satisfied 1 2 2 3 3 13 1 Smwht satisfied 24 29 28 27 34 60 24 Smwht dissatisfied 34 37 33 34 38 20 34 Very dissatisfied 40 31 36 36 25 7 40 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
22. Do you approve or disapprove of the way David Paterson is handling the economy?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Approve 22% 17% 28% 16% 23% 21% 19% 34% Disapprove 66 74 59 74 66 67 70 54 DK/NA 12 9 13 9 11 13 10 12 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Approve 18% 19% 19% 27% 20% Disapprove 74 71 71 59 67 DK/NA 7 10 10 14 13
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way David Paterson is handling the economy?
Apr 07 Feb 19 2009 2009 Approve 22 34 Disapprove 66 50 DK/NA 12 16
23. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Approve 67% 37% 92% 57% 65% 69% 61% 94% Disapprove 25 51 4 31 28 22 30 4 DK/NA 8 11 4 12 7 9 9 2 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Approve 65% 60% 61% 76% 65% Disapprove 30 28 28 18 28 DK/NA 5 12 11 7 6
TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the economy?
Apr 07 Feb 19 2009 2009 Approve 67 66 Disapprove 25 22 DK/NA 8 13
24. Would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Excellent - - - - - - - - Good 4 3 6 2 6 3 3 7 Not so good 38 40 40 34 37 39 38 46 Poor 57 56 53 63 57 57 59 44 DK/NA 1 1 1 - - 2 - 3 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Excellent - - - - - Good 6 3 4 5 3 Not so good 40 35 36 42 36 Poor 54 61 59 52 60 DK/NA 1 - - 2 1
TREND: Would you describe the state of the nation's economy these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
Apr 07 Feb 19 Dec 24 Nov 15 Apr 26 2009 2009 2008 2001 2001 Excellent - - - 1 2 Good 4 2 3 29 46 Not so good 38 27 27 54 41 Poor 57 71 70 14 9 DK/NA 1 - - 1 2
25. Would you describe the state of New York State's economy these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Excellent - - 1% - - - - - Good 4 4 5 2 3 5 4 5 Not so good 40 38 43 41 38 42 36 56 Poor 55 58 51 56 59 52 59 38 DK/NA 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 1 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Excellent - - - - - Good 4 3 3 5 4 Not so good 28 33 32 46 46 Poor 68 63 64 47 49 DK/NA - - - 1 1
TREND: Would you describe the state of New York State's economy these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
EXCLNT+GOOD... High Low Apr 07 Feb 19 Jan 15 Dec 24 Aug 6 Mar 29 Apr 07 2009 2009 2009 2008 2008 2006 2009 Excellent - 1 - - - 2 - Good 4 4 7 6 12 35 4 Not so good 40 40 40 43 48 40 40 Poor 55 55 52 51 38 22 55 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 1 2 1
26. Do you think the nation's economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Better 21% 11% 25% 23% 25% 18% 21% 26% Worse 34 46 27 36 33 36 36 29 The same 42 41 45 39 40 43 40 44 DK/NA 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Better 20% 18% 19% 23% 22% Worse 36 38 38 32 32 The same 40 41 41 41 45 DK/NA 4 3 3 4 1
27. Do you think New York State's economy is getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Better 5% 4% 8% 4% 6% 5% 4% 13% Worse 56 63 49 59 54 57 59 43 The same 37 31 42 35 39 35 35 43 DK/NA 2 2 2 2 1 3 3 1 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Better 1% 3% 2% 10% 3% Worse 71 62 64 49 49 The same 28 32 31 38 46 DK/NA - 3 2 3 2
28. Would you describe the state of your own personal finances these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Excellent 6% 8% 4% 7% 7% 5% 7% 1% Good 48 49 46 50 50 46 50 45 Not so good 32 32 32 32 28 35 30 39 Poor 13 10 17 11 14 13 11 13 DK/NA 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Excellent 8% 7% 7% 3% 7% Good 42 49 48 42 56 Not so good 37 29 30 37 26 Poor 12 13 13 16 9 DK/NA - 2 2 2 3
TREND: Would you describe the state of your own personal finances these days as - excellent, good, not so good, or poor?
Apr 07 Feb 19 Dec 24 Jan 23 Nov 15 2009 2009 2008 2002 2001 Excellent 6 4 5 9 8 Good 48 44 43 53 59 Not so good 32 35 35 28 25 Poor 13 15 16 8 6 DK/NA 2 2 1 1 2
29. Do you think your personal finances are getting better, getting worse, or staying about the same?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Better 10% 12% 10% 8% 12% 9% 10% 8% Worse 28 27 28 29 26 30 29 21 The same 60 59 62 62 61 60 58 71 DK/NA 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Better 7% 11% 10% 10% 10% Worse 33 26 27 31 25 The same 58 61 61 58 63 DK/NA 3 2 2 1 2
31. How much have you heard or read about the state budget agreement recently announced by Governor Paterson and legislative leaders? A lot, some, not much, or nothing at all?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk A lot 25% 34% 20% 27% 27% 23% 27% 17% Some 48 43 49 50 45 50 46 61 Not much 19 18 20 18 19 19 19 14 Nothing at all 7 5 10 5 8 6 7 6 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub A lot 38% 27% 29% 20% 24% Some 40 44 43 51 51 Not much 14 20 19 20 19 Nothing at all 7 8 8 8 3 DK/NA 1 1 1 1 2
32. Do you approve or disapprove of the state budget agreement recently announced by Governor Paterson and legislative leaders?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Approve 16% 10% 22% 13% 16% 15% 14% 22% Disapprove 60 71 52 64 63 58 63 56 DK/NA 24 19 26 23 21 27 23 22 UpState..... UpState Q31... Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Lot/Sm Approve 18% 12% 13% 19% 15% 17% Disapprove 67 64 65 53 62 70 DK/NA 15 24 22 27 23 13
33. Do you think Governor Paterson and the state legislature showed political courage to make unpopular budgetary decisions or do you think it was business as usual in Albany?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Showed pol courage 26% 21% 32% 22% 25% 27% 25% 36% Business as usual 65 69 59 69 68 62 65 58 DK/NA 10 10 10 9 7 12 9 6 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Showed pol courage 28% 26% 26% 22% 31% Business as usual 60 65 64 68 59 DK/NA 12 9 10 10 9
34. Do you approve or disapprove of the decision to eliminate property tax rebates from the state budget, meaning if you pay property taxes you will not get a rebate check from the state?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Approve 22% 15% 25% 24% 25% 20% 24% 20% Disapprove 70 78 67 67 66 72 67 74 DK/NA 8 7 8 9 9 8 9 7 UpState..... UpState INCOME............. Urban Othr Total NYC Sub <50 50-100 >100K Approve 27% 21% 22% 25% 18% 15% 26% 32% Disapprove 64 72 70 65 76 75 68 61 DK/NA 10 7 8 10 7 10 6 7
35. Do you approve or disapprove of the decision to raise the state income tax rate on individuals making 200,000 dollars per year and couples making 300,000 dollars per year?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Approve 64% 42% 81% 58% 61% 67% 62% 74% Disapprove 32 53 16 40 37 29 35 19 DK/NA 4 4 3 2 3 4 3 7 UpState..... UpState INCOME............. Urban Othr Total NYC Sub <50 50-100 >100K Approve 61% 68% 67% 65% 56% 69% 71% 52% Disapprove 36 29 30 31 39 27 27 46 DK/NA 3 3 3 4 4 4 2 1
36. Some people say that raising the state income tax rate on wealthier New Yorkers will lead wealthier New Yorkers to move out of New York State. Do you agree or disagree?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Agree 37% 55% 22% 43% 43% 33% 40% 31% Disagree 59 39 75 55 55 63 56 69 DK/NA 4 5 3 2 2 4 4 1 UpState..... UpState INCOME............. Urban Othr Total NYC Sub <50 50-100 >100K Agree 42% 41% 41% 31% 39% 34% 32% 45% Disagree 54 54 54 66 58 61 65 54 DK/NA 3 4 4 3 3 5 3 -
37. What comes closer to your point of view - The new state budget's spending increases are needed to stimulate the economy during this economic downturn or The new state budget's spending increases are wasteful?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Needed 39% 22% 55% 34% 38% 40% 34% 64% Wasteful 49 69 32 54 54 44 54 25 DK/NA 12 9 13 12 8 16 12 10 UpState..... UpState INCOME............. Urban Othr Total NYC Sub <50 50-100 >100K Needed 23% 32% 30% 50% 40% 42% 39% 39% Wasteful 64 57 59 37 46 47 48 54 DK/NA 12 11 11 13 14 11 13 7
38. Historically, the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Assembly Speaker have made all the big decisions at the state Capitol in Albany with not much input from state legislators. Do you think that "Albany's three men in a room" decision-making is continuing or do you think that other legislators are more involved since Governor Paterson took office?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Three men continues 51% 56% 44% 57% 58% 47% 55% 39% Others involved 26 21 32 24 24 28 22 48 DK/NA 22 23 23 18 18 25 23 14 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Three men continues 57% 56% 56% 45% 52% Others involved 32 21 23 32 26 DK/NA 11 23 21 24 23
TREND: Historically, the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Assembly Speaker have made all the big decisions at the state Capitol in Albany with not much input from state legislators. Do you think that Albany's 'three men in a room' decision-making is continuing or do you think that other legislators are more involved since Governor Paterson took office? (*Spitzer)
Apr 07 Jun 19 Apr 4 2009 2007* 2007* Three men continues 51 34 32 Others involved 26 35 36 DK/NA 22 31 33
39. Some people have said that New York State government is dysfunctional. Do you agree or disagree?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Agree 71% 79% 62% 77% 74% 68% 74% 56% Disagree 23 16 32 18 22 24 20 39 DK/NA 6 5 6 5 4 8 6 4 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Agree 81% 79% 80% 62% 66% Disagree 13 16 15 30 29 DK/NA 6 5 5 7 6
40. (If agree in q39) Who do you think is most to blame - Governor Paterson, the Republicans in the state legislature or the Democrats in the state legislature?
AGREE Q39........................................... Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Paterson 21% 22% 17% 28% 17% 24% 23% 13% Republicans in leg 21 5 43 11 21 20 17 44 Democrats in leg 25 49 6 26 30 20 28 5 DK/NA 33 25 35 36 31 35 33 38 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Paterson 30% 25% 26% 17% 17% Republicans in leg 20 15 16 31 15 Democrats in leg 24 24 24 22 31 DK/NA 26 36 34 31 36
42. Do you think same-sex couples should be allowed legally to marry, should be allowed legally to form civil unions but not marry, or should not be allowed to obtain legal recognition of their relationships?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk Marry 41% 26% 49% 41% 36% 45% 43% 33% Civil unions 33 36 29 40 34 33 33 29 No recognition 19 28 17 14 23 15 18 24 DK/NA 7 10 6 5 7 7 6 14 UpState..... UpState Urban Othr Total NYC Sub Marry 35% 39% 39% 46% 38% Civil unions 31 32 32 27 45 No recognition 19 22 21 20 13 DK/NA 15 7 8 7 5
TREND: Do you think same-sex couples should be allowed legally to marry, should be allowed legally to form civil unions but not marry, or should not be allowed to obtain legal recognition of their relationships?
Apr 07 Jun 12 Dec 12 Jun 19 2009 2008 2007 2007 Marry 41 42 40 35 Civil unions 33 31 29 35 No recognition 19 21 23 22 DK/NA 7 6 8 8