Posted on 01/26/2006 9:27:57 AM PST by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's approval ratings have improved with his release of highly popular proposals on state spending in 2006-07 and long-term rebuilding of the state's aging infrastructure, according to a poll to be released today. But the San Francisco-based Public Policy Institute of California survey indicates Schwarzenegger has not regained majority support, even though 60 percent of Californians polled like his budget and $222 billion infrastructure plan.
The poll showed even greater support, 70 percent, for a more modest infrastructure improvement plan pitched by state Senate leader Don Perata, D-Oakland.
The survey also indicated majority support for a minimum-wage hike and 2006 ballot initiatives raising taxes on cigarettes and the rich. The wide-ranging poll also gave lawmakers low marks, identified education as the state's top priority and revealed little public fear of avian flu.
Survey director Mark Baldassare called support for Schwarzenegger's plans but a lack of public confidence in him a "striking example of just how cynical Californians have become toward government leadership."
"They simultaneously like what a leader is saying but doubt that he can carry it out," Baldassare said.
Schwarzenegger's job approval rating climbed from 33 percent in October, before his ill-fated "government-revamp" special election, to
40 percent in the latest poll. Those disapproving declined from 58 percent to 52 percent.
In January 2004, after the recall election, and in January 2005, as he launched his "Year of Reform," his approval ratings were about 60 percent.
Schwarzenegger, during a Sacramento appearance Wednesday to tout his infrastructure plan, dismissed the poll, even though it is an election year.
"It's always nice to be popular, it's always nice to be liked by the people, it's always nice when people approve of the job you're doing," Schwarzenegger said. "But I pay very little attention to that (polls) because I was sent here to Sacramento to govern."
Further signs the public in Democrat-leaning California has not regained confidence in the Republican governor emerged in poll questions about the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Despite the overall popularity of Schwarzenegger's spending plan, only 18 percent of Californians prefer his approach to making tough choices,
39 percent prefer Democratic lawmakers' approach, and 23 percent prefer Republican lawmakers' approach.
Even among Republicans, a majority prefer that GOP lawmakers, rather than the governor, make decisions on the budget.
Of all major concerns, the only issue a majority of Californians believe the governor is handling well is crime and punishment, according to the survey.
But the poll shows the governor hit the political mark with his budget and infrastructure plans.
Support cuts across party lines, with majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents voicing approval — particularly in the Bay Area.
The governor received 60 percent support on his budget plan, which avoids big cuts but fails to reduce the deficit significantly.
An even higher number, 65 percent, support his plan for an initial $25 billion ballot bond this year to refurbish roads, bridges, ports and other infrastructure. Californians varied widely on priorities within the plan, however.
"The question is whether the governor has, or will have, the political clout to see this grand ambition through," Baldassare said.
About 73 percent said they liked Perata's more modest, $10 billion-plus infrastructure bond plan.
The poll was conducted Jan. 11-18 among 2,003 adults. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Budget popular???
DUHHHH!!!!
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
The SF Chronicle had a more positive spin:
"Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's approval rating has climbed for the first time in months following his recent move to the political center, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll.
While the higher numbers are good news for the governor, he still has a long way to go to reach the same level of popularity that he enjoyed two years ago."
Isn't it funny how newspapers always write up "moving to the center" i.e. becoming more liberal as a positive thing?
PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on the California State Budget, January 2006
http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=656
Some findings of the current survey:
A large majority (68%) of Californians support the central proposal of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s recent State of the State speech—a $222 billion program for rebuilding the state’s infrastructure, financed with bonds.
Education facilities (48%) are the most popular infrastructure priority, followed by transportation projects (25%), water systems (17%), jails and prisons (3%) and courts (2%).
60% of residents approve of the governor’s proposed 2006-2007 budget. But 61% also say the imbalance between state spending and revenue remains a big problem for California.
Although Californians typically reject raising taxes on themselves, they find it more acceptable to raise taxes on specific subgroups, such as the richest Californians (65%) and cigarette smokers (71%).
The governor’s overall approval rating improved to 40%, but approval for his handling of specific issues such as jobs and the economy (39%) and the state budget and taxes (35%) lag.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
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