New Florida Chamber Poll Shows Florida Voters Want Good Jobs for Everyone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Edie Ousley
(850) 521-1231
eousley@flchamber.com

Jobs, Education and Healthcare Top Voter Concerns
National Security Concerns Increasing Among Floridians

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 13, 2016) – While many candidates run to the far left or far right, Florida voters are clearly focused on one thing – good jobs for everyone, a new Florida Chamber Political Institute (FCPI) poll released today shows. The FCPI poll was released today in conjunction with the Florida Chamber’s Board of Governors Capitol Days.

The FCPI poll, conducted January 4-7, 2016, shows voters top concern is job creation and an improving economy (19 percent), followed by education (15 percent) and healthcare (9 percent). Additionally, when asked about Florida’s water supply – a top priority for legislative leaders – nearly three-out-of-four Florida voters believe Florida should take action now to make sure the state has an adequate water supply. Only 13 percent believe Florida currently has an adequate water supply.

“This poll clearly shows that voters, like the Florida Chamber, agree that good jobs for everyone is a top priority. And, in a state where 1 in every 11 U.S. jobs is created in Florida, the margin of voters concerned about jobs and the economy will likely continue to increase,” said Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy for the Florida Chamber.

RIGHT/WRONG DIRECTION:

Overall, Florida voters are pleased with the direction Florida is headed. The FCPI shows 44 percent say Florida is headed in the right direction, compared to 34 percent who say wrong direction. Additionally, 39 percent said they are better off today than a year ago, compared to 26 percent who disagreed – a 13 percent spread.

GAMBLING:

As legislative leaders look at renewing a version of the Seminole Compact, the Florida Chamber continues to check the pulse of Florida voters. In the last 10 days, the Florida Chamber has conducted two polls on this subject. In both polls, it’s clear that voters agree with the Florida Chamber that now is not the time to expand Las Vegas-style casino gambling. Fully 95 percent of Florida voters want to protect Florida’s family-friendly brand, according to polling data released last week. The latest FCPI polling data shows a majority of voters, 53 percent, oppose expanding gambling in Florida.

LAWSUITS:

While lawmakers took no action on lawsuit reform last session, 64 percent of voters believe the number of lawsuits filed is a problem and something should be done.

SECURITY CONCERNS:

Not surprisingly, voters are increasingly concerned about their security – particularly the threat of ISIS to Florida. While the economy is the top concern on the national scene (53 percent), the threat of ISIS to Florida was a major concern for about 23 percent of voters.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS:

If the election were held tomorrow, “Use of Marijuana for Debilitating Medical Conditions” would pass as 74 percent of the voters favor the amendment.
“Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice” would also pass as 77 percent of the voters favor this amendment compared to only 9 percent do oppose it.

ABOUT THIS POLL:

The Florida Chamber political Institute poll was conducted January 4 – 7, 2016 by Cherry Communications.  The poll interviewed 711 frequent voters via both land and cell lines.  The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.