State survey: Economy is big concern
Younger state adults are more optimistic
Source: Mary Balousek, Wisconsin State Journal

MADISON, WI - March 16, 2004 - Wisconsin residents remained concerned about jobs and the economy, but younger state adults were more optimistic about their future and the direction the state is heading than older residents, according to a survey by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

About 62 percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said things will get better for them while just 34 percent of people age 35 and over were that optimistic. About 61 percent of the younger group said they believe Wisconsin is on the right track while 42 percent of the older group felt that way.

About 62 percent said availability of good-paying jobs for young people is important to their family's quality of life. About 77 percent said a stronger economy would improve their quality of life.

About 65 percent of younger respondents said they believe their community is on the right track while 63 percent of the older group agreed.

The semi-annual survey polled 682 residents throughout the state in February, asking them about the state's economy, education, taxes, public services, home ownership and health care. The survey results had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Jim Wood, president of Wood Communications Group, which did the survey, said younger residents are optimistic about a different economic future than older residents, who are more likely to be affected by job losses.

Overall, however, people responding to the survey were more hopeful about the economy than during a similar survey last fall, said Bill Malkasian, president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

Most of those surveyed (63 percent) said they were satisfied with the cost of owning a home, but their satisfaction fell to 41 percent when they considered property taxes.

Bob Weber of First Weber Realtors said some people move back to Wisconsin because of the quality of public schools.

However, "they're shocked when they find out what the taxes are," he said.

But the found that satisfaction with the costs of public education continued to grow. About 68 percent of the respondents said they're satisfied with what they pay for public education, up from 53 percent in 2002.

More than half of the respondents said more disposable income, better access to reliable energy and improved access to health care would improve their quality of life at home. About 59 percent said affordable health care would improve their quality of life at work.

Those surveyed ranked Wisconsin highly in the state's supply of skilled workers and its educational system, but said the state is lagging in reasonable government regulation and the state government's willingness to work with business. About 44 percent of the respondents said large corporations aren't paying their fair share of taxes while 10 percent said firms with fewer than 50 employees aren't paying their fair share.

Other findings include:

• About 53 percent of the respondents said Wisconsin is a special place to live, while 38 percent said it's about the same as other states.
   

• Of those who believe Wisconsin is special, 97 percent cited good local public services, 90 percent said it's because of good local public schools, 86 percent cited a strong commitment to the environment and 80 percent said it's due to the strong farming community.

Contact Marv Balousek at mbalousek@madison.com or 252-6135.