Sacred Heart University’s Institute for Public Policy and the Hartford Courant are collaborating in partnership with GreatBlue Research to analyze salient issues facing the State of Connecticut. This collaboration combines the academic excellence of a top-rated private University and the integrity and professionalism of a national newspaper with the research design, analysis and reporting expertise of GreatBlue Research.   10/9/19: Biden Leading Democratic Field in CT, Polling Well Ahead of Trump in 2020 Race 10/10/19: Poll Gives CT Governor Lamont Mixed Review

Institute for Public Policy,

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The Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:   Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ratings President Donald Trump\u27s job approval ratings Voting preference in the presidential election Thoughts on filling the supreme court vacancy The effect of COVID-19 on mental health and finances Plans to take the COVID-19 vaccine when available Demographic profiles of respondent

Sacred Heart University: DigitalCommons@SHU

Institute for Public Policy National Poll - October 2020

Institute for Public Policy Statewide Poll - Q3 2019 Full ReleaseOctober 10, 2019Report of FindingsTable of ContentsSECTION ONE About the PollSECTION TWO Poll OverviewSECTION THREE HeadlinesSECTION FOUR Key Study FindingsSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !3Our  StorySacred Heart University’s Institute for Public Policy and the Hartford Courant are collaborating in partnership with GreatBlue Research to analyze salient issues facing the State of Connecticut. This collaboration combines the academic excellence of a top-rated private University, the integrity and professionalism of a national newspaper, and the research design, analysis and reporting expertise of GreatBlue Research. Table of ContentsSECTION ONE About the PollSECTION TWO Poll OverviewSECTION THREE HeadlinesSECTION FOUR Key Study FindingsAreas of InvestigationThe Sacred Heart University Institute for Public Policy leveraged a dual-methodology quantitative research approach to address the following areas of investigation:๏ Thoughts on the quality of life in Connecticut๏ Governor Ned Lamont’s job approval ๏ Opinions toward the implementation of “Medicare for All”๏ Perceptions of plans to reduce or eliminate student debt๏ Opinions toward Immigration in the State๏ Ranking of 2020 Presidential election candidates๏ Opinions regarding ban on flavored e-cigarettes ๏ Opinions regarding the “Fair Pay to Play Act”๏ Demographic profiles of respondentsSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !6Research Methodology SnapshotMethodology Dual mode (phone  and digital survey)**Target Connecticut residentsNo. of Completes 1,000Confidence Level 95%Margin of Error +/- 3.02%No. of Questions 34*Sample Connecticut residents* This represents the total possible number of questions; not all respondents will answer all questions based on skip patterns and other instrument bias. ** Supervisory personnel, in addition to computer-aided interviewing platforms, ensure the integrity of the data is accurate.Research Dates September 17 - October 2Table of ContentsSECTION ONE About the PollSECTION TWO Poll OverviewSECTION THREE HeadlinesSECTION FOUR Key Study FindingsSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.SHU Institute for Public Policy - September 2019 Headlines❖ In September 2019, 59.4% of Connecticut residents surveyed reported their quality of life in the State to be either “excellent” (16.4%) or “good” (43.0%). However, more than half of residents surveyed, 58.4%, reported it is “very difficult” (19.3%) or “somewhat difficult” (39.1%) to maintain their standard of living.  - Top reported reasons for this difficulty included “tax increase - state” (61.1%), “price increase - general goods” (50.9%), and “increase/high taxes (overall)” (50.0%).  ❖ Over two-fifths of Connecticut residents surveyed, 46.9%, reported they “disapprove” of the way Ned Lamont is handling his job as governor. - 74.2% disapproval among Republicans (15.5% unsure) - 53.1% disapproval among unaffiliated residents (29.8% unsure) - 26.5% disapproval among Democrats (33.4% unsure) ❖ The highest percentage of respondents reported they “approve” of the way Ned Lamont handles “public primary education” (27.8%), while the lowest number reported they “approve” of the way he is handling “taxes” (16.0%).  - 24.8% reported they “approve” of the way Lamont is handling “healthcare.” - 23.1% reported they “approve” of the way Lamont is handling “tolls.”!8Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.SHU Institute for Public Policy - September 2019 Headlines❖ 46.7% of respondents noted they “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose “Medicare for All” if it meant all Americans would be enrolled in a public Medicare program and all private health insurance would eventually be eliminated. - 73.8% of respondents reported to be “very” or “somewhat” aware of the term “Medicare for All." ❖ 60.9% of residents surveyed claimed they “strongly” or “somewhat” support a plan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student debt for middle and lower income Americans. Another 58.0% reported they “strongly” or “somewhat” support a plan to raise taxes on the wealthy in order to fund a plan that would result in all public colleges becoming “debt free” for students. ❖ 56.2% of respondents ages 18-34 did not think illegal immigration is a serious problem in Connecticut. ❖ 56.2% of respondents earning $150,000 or more annually reported believing Joe Biden would win the Democratic primary in Connecticut, compared to only 28.4% of respondents earning less than $50,000 annually. ❖ Over one-half, 52.8%, of respondents reported they “strongly” or “somewhat” support the “Fair Pay to Play Act,” which allows college athletes to earn money from endorsements. ❖ 60.5% of residents surveyed ages 18-34 expressed they “strongly” (40.7%) or “somewhat” (19.8%) support the ban on flavored e-cigarettes. !9Table of ContentsSECTION ONE About the PollSECTION TWO Poll OverviewSECTION THREE HeadlinesSECTION FOUR Key Study FindingsSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.Quality of Life in ConnecticutThe majority of Connecticut residents surveyed in September 2019, 59.4%, reported their quality of life in the State as being either “excellent” (16.4%) or “good” (43.0%), which remains consistent with the 60.4% who reported the same in May of 2019. Additionally, a higher rate of September 2019 respondents expressed belief that the quality of life in Connecticut is “declining” (27.8%), compared to the rate of those who expressed belief that the quality of life is “improving” (14.9%).   ❖ 78.7% of respondents earning $150,000 or more per year reported their quality of life as either “excellent” (41.6%) or “good” (37.1%), compared to only 45.4% of respondents earning less than $50,000 annually.   ❖ 46.9% of respondents ages 18-34 reported their quality of life as being either “fair” (32.6%) or “poor” (14.3%) when compared to only 29.5% of respondents age 65 or older. ❖ 30.0% of residents earning $100,000 to less than $150,000 per year reported their quality of life in Connecticut as “declining.” !11How would you rate your overall quality of life in Connecticut? Would you say…Q Would you say, overall, your quality of life in Connecticut is…QExcellentGoodFairPoor0% 25% 50% 75% 100%9.7%29.9%43.0%16.4%9.5%29.6%40.6%19.8%9.5%31.2%43.8%15.5%March 2019 May 2019 September 2019ImprovingNo change, but remains goodNo change, but remains poorDecliningUnsure0% 25% 50% 75% 100%3.1%27.8%8.7%45.5%14.9%2.7%28.6%10.9%41.4%16.4%1.8%27.5%11.3%44.0%15.4%March 2019 May 2019 September 2019Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.Very easySomewhat easySomewhat difficultVery difficultUnsure0% 25% 50% 75% 100%1.9%19.3%39.1%30.8%8.9%2.6%19.9%38.8%29.6%9.1%2.0%21.4%40.8%27.1%8.7%March 2019 May 2019 September 2019Quality of Life in Connecticut39.7% of CT residents surveyed reported it being either “very easy” (8.9%) or “somewhat easy” (30.8%) to maintain their standard of living out of their household income today, while 58.4% reported it being “difficult” to maintain their standard of living. Further, top reasons for one’s difficulty in maintaining their standard of living included: “tax increase - state” (61.1%), “price increase - general goods” (50.9%), and “increase/high taxes (overall)” (50.0%).    ❖ 63.0% of residents surveyed ages 45-64 reported it being “somewhat” (41.5%) or “very” (21.5%) difficult to maintain their standard of living, compared to only 49.7% of residents surveyed age 65 or older.  ❖ Of those surveyed, 68.7% of residents earning less than $50,000 per year, 62.8% of residents earning $50,000 to less than $100,000 per year, and 57.3% of residents earning $100,000 to less than $150,000 per year reported it being “difficult” to maintain their standard of living, compared to only 28.1% of residents earning $150,000 or more per year. !12Please tell me why?QOverall, how easy or difficult are you finding it to maintain your standard of living out of your total household income today.  Would you say…QTax increase - statePrice increase - general goodsIncrease/high taxes (overall)Price increase - electric/gas/oilTax increase - federalInsurance - cost increase, copays, premiumsEmployment - low paying job0% 25% 50% 75% 100%27.2%27.2%39.9%44.0%50.0%50.9%61.1%Sept. 2019 (N=584)Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !13Governor’s Approval Rating And, would you say you approve or disapprove of Ned Lamont’s handling of the following issues…QManaging the State budget deficitTollsTaxesPublic primary education Health care0% 25% 50% 75% 100%33.5%30.1%65.7%57.8%48.5%41.7%42.1%18.3%19.1%30.2%24.8%27.8%16.0%23.1%21.3%Approve Unsure DisapproveSince he took office in January, overall do you approve or disapprove of the way Ned Lamont is handling his job as governor?Q0%25%50%75%100%Approve Disapprove Unsure29.0%46.9%24.1%35.4%40.0%24.6%May 2019 September 201946.9% of Connecticut residents surveyed in September 2019 reported to “disapprove” of how Ned Lamont is handling his job as governor, which is higher than the 40.0% of residents who reported the same in May 2019. Further, 24.1% of September 2019 respondents reported to “approve” of his job performance since taking office in January. ❖ 40.1% of Democrats surveyed currently “approve” of the way Ned Lamont is handling his job as governor, compared to only 10.3% of Republicans and 17.2% of unaffiliated voters surveyed. ❖ On specific issues, the highest rates of respondents reported to “disapprove” of how Ned Lamont is handling “taxes” (65.7%) and “tolls“ (57.8%) in the State as of September 2019.  ❖ 83.7% of Republican residents surveyed currently “disapprove” of how Ned Lamont is handling “taxes” and 44.0% of Democrats surveyed currently “disapprove” of how Ned Lamont is handling “tolls” in Connecticut. 19.1%30.2%18.3%42.1%41.7%Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.“Medicare for All”Over one-third of residents surveyed (38.3%) did not believe there should be one national health care system that is run by the federal government and financed, in part, by taxpayers. Additionally, 46.7% said they would “somewhat“ (14.1%) or  “strongly” (32.6%) oppose “Medicare for All" if it meant all Americans would be enrolled in a public Medicare program and all private health insurance would eventually be eliminated. ❖ 39.1% of respondents ages 18-34 reported believing there should be one national health care system that is run by the federal government and financed, in part, by taxpayers, compared to only 18.1% of respondents age 65 or older. ❖ 54.4% of Democratic residents surveyed reported to “strongly” (30.5%) or “somewhat” (23.9%) support “Medicare for All,” compared to only 38.0% of unaffiliated voters and 18.0% of Republicans.!14In thinking about the term “Medicare for All,” do you think there should be one national health care system that is run by the federal government and financed, in part, by taxpayers?QThinking about the term “Medicare for All,” would you say you are…QDon't know3.4% Not aware22.8%Aware73.8%Would you support or oppose “Medicare for All” if it meant all Americans would be enrolled in a public Medicare program and all private health insurance would eventually be eliminated?QYesNoDon't know0% 13% 25% 38% 50%5.1%38.3%26.8%29.8%Would need more information to provide an answer0% 25% 50% 75% 100%46.7%14.1%39.2%Support Unsure Oppose14.1 %Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.When asked how strongly they support or oppose a plan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student debt for middle and lower income Americans, 60.9% of residents surveyed “strongly” (39.3%) or “somewhat” (21.6%) supported the plan. Further, 58.0% of residents surveyed “strongly” (38.0%) or “somewhat” (20.0%) supported a plan to raise taxes on the wealthy in order to fund a plan that would result in all public colleges becoming “debt free” for students. ❖ 70.6% of respondents ages 18-34 “strongly” (53.9%) or “somewhat” (16.7%) supported a plan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student debt for middle and lower income Americans, compared to only 53.9% of respondents age 65 or older. ❖ 67.1% of residents surveyed earning less than $50,000 per year, 66.6% earning $50,000 to less than $100,000 per year, 54.5% earning $100,000 to less than $150,000 per year, and 49.4% earning $150,000 or more per year “strongly” or “somewhat” supported a plan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student debt. ❖ 63.5% of Republican residents surveyed “strongly” (45.5%) or “somewhat” (18.0%) opposed a plan to raise taxes on the wealthy in order to fund a plan that would result in all public colleges becoming “debt free” for students. !15Student LoansHow strongly do you support or oppose a…QDo you currently have any student loans for college or any other secondary education, did you previously have  student loans that are now paid off, or have you never had any student loans?Q3.7%51.7%24.4%20.2%Currently have student loansPreviously had student loans, but paid them offNever had student loansUnsure0% 25% 50% 75% 100%33.6%29.3%8.4%9.8%58.0%60.9%Support Unsure OpposePlan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student debt for middle and lower income Americans Plan to raise taxes on the wealthy in order to fund a plan that would result in all public colleges becoming “debt free” for students 6.3%9.8%8.4%Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc.ImmigrationA higher rate of residents surveyed reported not believing illegal immigration is a serious problem in the State of Connecticut (47.6%) when compared to those who do believe it is a serious problem (37.3%). However, the majority of respondents (61.0%) thought local law enforcement in Connecticut should assist federal authorities with deportation of illegal immigrants who were convicted of crimes.  ❖ 65.2% of Republicans surveyed reported believing illegal immigration is a serious problem in the State of Connecticut, compared to only 39.3% of unaffiliated and 19.4% of Democrats. ❖ 56.2% of respondents ages 18-34 reported they did not think illegal immigration is a serious problem in Connecticut.!16In your opinion, do you think illegal immigration is a serious problem in the State of Connecticut? Q When illegal immigrants are identified in the State, do you think local law enforcement in Connecticut should assist federal authorities with deportation of those illegal immigrants who were convicted of crimes?QUnsure15.1%No47.6%Yes37.3%Unsure15.4%No23.6%Yes61.0%Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !17Election 2020When given the names of the front runners for the Democratic Party, the highest rate of residents (36.9%) believed Joe Biden would win, followed by Bernie Sanders (10.8%), and Elizabeth Warren (14.0%). When asked who they would vote for if the presidential race in 2020 was between each of those candidates and Donald Trump, the highest rate of respondents chose Joe Biden (52.2%) over Donald Trump (33.3%), followed by Bernie Sanders (51.1% over 35.0% Donald Trump) and Elizabeth Warren (48.8% over 35.0% Donald Trump).  ❖ 56.2% of respondents annually earning $150,000 or more believed Joe Biden would win the Democratic primary in Connecticut, compared to only 28.4% of respondents earning less than $50,000 annually.Right now, the front runners for the Democratic Party are believed to be by many Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Pete Buttigieg. If the Democratic primary in Connecticut were held tomorrow, which candidate do you think would win? Q!Horse RaceJoe Biden 36.9%Elizabeth Warren 14.0%Bernie Sanders 10.8%Kamala Harris 2.1%Pete Buttigieg 2.1%Head-to-head vs… Donald TrumpJoe Biden 52.2% 33.3%Bernie Sanders 51.1% 35.0%Elizabeth Warren 48.8% 35.0%Kamala Harris 46.9% 34.4%Pete Buttigieg 45.8% 34.2%Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !18“Fair Pay to Play Act”The majority of respondents (52.8%) “strongly” or “somewhat” supported the “Fair Pay to Play Act,” compared to 25.3% who “somewhat” or “strongly” opposed. It is important to note, however, that slightly over one-fifth of respondents (21.9%) were “unsure.” ❖ 55.9% of respondents earning less than $50,000 per year, 59.3% of respondents earning $50,000 to less than $100,000 per year, 58.2% earning $100,000 to less than $150,000 per year, and 48.3% earning $150,000 or more per year “strongly” or “somewhat” supported the “Fair Pay to Play Act.” ❖ 61.0% of Democratic residents surveyed “strongly” (29.2%) or “somewhat” (31.8%) supported the “Fair Pay to Play Act,” compared to 53.7% of unaffiliated respondents and 45.9% of Republican respondents.!Recently, the California state legislature passed the “Fair Pay to Play Act,” which  allows college athletes to earn money from endorsements. Based on the short description I have just read, or what you may have previously heard about the topic, please tell me if you…  Q0%13%25%38%50%21.9%14.2%11.1%29.4%23.4%Strongly support the “Fair Pay to Play Act” Somewhat support the “Fair Pay to Play Act” Somewhat oppose the “Fair Pay to Play Act” Strongly oppose the “Fair Pay to Play Act” UnsureSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !19E-Cigarette BanOver two-thirds (72.5%) of Connecticut residents surveyed reported to “strongly” (56.4%) or “somewhat” (16.1%) supported the ban on flavored               e-cigarettes. Less than one-fifth of respondents (18.7%) “somewhat” (9.4%) or “strongly” (9.3%) opposed the ban and another 8.8% were “unsure.”  ❖ 60.5% of residents surveyed ages 18-34 “strongly” (40.7%) or “somewhat” (19.8%) supported the ban on flavored e-cigarettes.  ❖ 77.7% of Democratic residents surveyed, 74.3% of Republican residents surveyed, and 70.6% of unaffiliated residents surveyed “strongly” or “somewhat” supported the ban on flavored e-cigarettes. !Recent CDC reports of death and injuries possibly linked to the use of e-cigarettes has prompted President Trump and the FDC to ban flavored e-cigarettes to address the rising use of e-cigarettes among youths. Based on the short description I have just read, or what you may have previously heard about the topic, please tell me if you…   Q0%19%38%56%75%8.8%9.3%9.4%16.1%56.4%Strongly support the ban on flavored e-cigarettesSomewhat support the ban on flavored e-cigarettesSomewhat oppose the ban on flavored e-cigarettesStrongly oppose the ban on flavored e-cigarettesUnsureSlide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !20Demographic Profile - September 2019!GenderRefused0.5%Male45.0%Female54.5%Age Hispanic/Latin Origin?Refused2.9%No86.7%Yes10.4%EthnicityWhite/ CaucasianBlack/ African AmericanAsianNative American Indian/ Alaska NativeOtherRefused0% 25% 50% 75% 100%4.8%5.1%0.9%1.9%9.5%77.8%IncomeLess than $50,000$50,000 to < $100,000$100,000 to < $150,000$150,000 or moreRefused0% 10% 20% 30% 40%25.7%8.9%11.0%23.1%31.3%County of ResidenceRefused2.2%65+19.3%45-6434.0%35-4418.7%18-3425.8%FairfieldHartfordLitchfieldMiddlesexNew HavenNew LondonTollandWindham0% 8% 15% 23% 30%3.7%3.6%8.1%27.8%3.8%4.9%25.8%22.3%Refused2.7%No11.9%Yes85.4%Registered to vote?Slide /GreatBlue Research, Inc. !21Lesley DeNardis, Ph.D. Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy (203) 371-7834 denardisl@sacredheart.edu Michael Vigeant    CEO, GreatBlue Research (860) 740-4000 michael@GreatBlueResearch.com

Institute for Public Policy National Poll - October 2019

https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&amp;context=publicpolicy_polls

Institute for Public Policy National Poll - October 2019

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Sacred Heart University: DigitalCommons@SHU

Sacred Heart University: DigitalCommons@SHU