6/2009 - Legislative Review 2009
 
 50% 
Legislative Review 2009

1. When it comes to balancing the state budget, which of the following do you think should be the most important priority?

2. One of the proposals to help balance the state budget was to increase taxes on cigarettes by 50-cents-per-pack. Overall, would you say you support or oppose a 50-cent-per-pack increase in taxes on cigarettes to help balance the state budget?

3. A different proposal to help balance the state budget was to delay tax deductions scheduled to go into effect this year. Currently, individuals who itemize their state tax returns can deduct 65 percent of excess itemized deductions on their federal returns. This includes mortgage interest, charitable donations and health care costs. The deduction would increase to 100 percent this year. Overall, would you say support or oppose delaying the increase tax deductions to help balance the state budget?

4. Some policy-makers have argued that we should use the rainy day fund to offset cuts to higher education and health care during the current fiscal year, while others have said that we should save the rainy day fund for future years when federal stimulus dollars run out. What about you? Would you prefer:

5. Overall, do approve or disapprove of the way Governor Bobby Jindal is handling the state budget?

6. Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way the state legislature is handling the state budget?

7. When it comes to state budget issues, who do you trust more – Governor Bobby Jindal or the state legislature?

8. One of the proposals currently being considered would involve creating an alternative track for high school students who are struggling in academic subject areas. Supporters argue this will help students stay in school and develop trade and vocational skills, while opponents argue this will water down state accountability standards. What about you? Do you think creating an alternative track is: