Economy - Spring 2004

Concerns about the economy and jobs have a dramatic effect on citizens’ attitudes about a number of issues – taxes, government, health care, and the direction the state and local communities are heading. Three fourths of respondents in this survey report that a stronger economy would be a very important factor in their quality of life. More than half of respondents say that more disposable income and access to more affordable energy and quality health care would improve the quality of their lives a great deal. Affordable health care and job security are the two most important quality of life factors in the workplace.
 

How important are these jobs and business issues to your family’s quality of life? Economic issues dominate the quality of life concerns for people in this survey. Almost two thirds (62%) of respondents say the availability of goodpaying jobs for young people is very important to their family’s quality of life. Respondents 35 and older are just as concerned about access to jobs for younger workers as young people are. Thirty-four percent of respondents say that government-sponsored economic development programs are very important factors in their quality of life; coupled with the 42% who replied it was somewhat important, a full 76% see that as an important issue.
How do the following enhance your quality of life at home? More than half of respondents say that more disposable income, access to more affordable, reliable energy, and better access to quality health care would enhance their quality of life at home a great deal. More than two out of five people think that more job opportunities and more job security would enhance their quality of life a great deal.
Employed respondents were asked,“Which of the following would enhance your quality of life at work?” On the job, workers say that affordable health care is the most important factor defining their quality of life. Almost half want more job security, and two out of five recognize the importance of capital in creating jobs.
How would you grade Wisconsin on each of the following? On issues that affect jobs and job growth, state residents’ attitudes tend to parallel those of business. While respondents give Wisconsin good grades in areas such as a supply of skilled workers and a strong educational system, they say that the state is lagging in others. Only two in five give the state an A or B in investment capital. Fewer than half give it an A or B for having reasonable government regulations. And, only half give Wisconsin an A or B for state government’s willingness to work cooperatively with business.
Are businesses paying their fair share of taxes in Wisconsin? Although respondents think Wisconsin could do more to encourage business and job growth, when it comes to taxes, they don’t think large corporations are paying their fair share. On the other hand, respondents believe that smaller businesses are picking up their fair share or more than their fair share of the tax burden.