Survey: Taxes, economy major state concerns
Source: Michael Klein, Leader Telegram Staff

EAU CLAIRE, WI — November 19, 2003 — Roughly half of Eau Claire County residents have less money left after paying their bills than they did a year ago, according to a “Quality of Life” survey released Tuesday.

The survey, sponsored by the Wisconsin Realtors Association, showed state and Eau Claire residents are pessimistic about the economy but positive about schools and other quality of life measures. “The public is seriously concerned about the future,” said Jim Wood, president of Madison-based Wood Communications Group, which conducted the survey. The survey conducted in mid-October measured the attitudes of 600 state residents, including 100 in Eau Claire County.

According to the survey, 40 percent of respondents think jobs will become more scarce, 34 percent think the economy will worsen, and 82 percent think their health care costs will rise. On a personal level, people were more optimistic, as 83 percent think their own situation will get better or stay the same in the next year.

A majority of state residents — 61 percent — think most workers need more training to qualify for good jobs. “The public has decided that education is an important thoroughfare to the new economy,” Wood said. As Wisconsin loses manufacturing jobs, laid-off workers need training for jobs in growing sectors such as health care and high technology, he said.

Three-quarters of state residents are satisfied with the cost of housing. A majority of respondents were pleased with the quality of public schools. In Eau Claire County, 75 percent are satisfied with what they pay for education and 77 percent are satisfied with the services those dollars buy, numbers even higher than for the state as a whole.

“We hear from people in the community and people coming in — their feeling is good about the school system in the area,” said David Mickelson, president of the Realtors Association of the Chippewa Valley.

The university and technical college systems also received high marks. But people felt burdened by property taxes. According to the survey, 49 percent are dissatisfied with the amount of property taxes they pay and 50 percent are dissatisfied with state taxes. Still, 47 percent are satisfied with the quality of services their property tax dollars buy, and 74 percent with the services income tax dollars buy.

Interestingly, 67 percent think less government regulation would enhance their quality of life somewhat or a great deal.

Klein can be reached at 833-9204, (800) 236-7077 or michael.klein@ecpc.com.