Most Alabamians think education and health care are the most important activities of state government and too little is spent on them, according to the newest Alabama Public Opinion Survey.
The annual poll from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama also showed that while respondents say more should be spent on schools and health care, they disagree on possible tax increases to fund spending increases.
The survey of 500 Alabamians across multiple demographics was conducted between late October and December.
There was an increase in respondents saying they pay too much in state and local taxes.
Nearly half say they are paying too much in 2023, while almost half in all earlier years said they were paying about the right amount, according to the report. Those with the highest level of education were less likely to say they were paying too much compared with others.
Among the findings of the survey, respondents with higher incomes were more likely to favor increased funding in education as a top priority. On the other hand, health care was emphasized for those with lower income.
Other demographic findings regarding education include that 64% of Republicans across the state believe that education funding is not enough, a 20% decrease compared to Democrats. Similarities occur when comparing demographics surrounding gender. Roughly 75% of women believe too little is being spent on education compared to 66% of men.
In terms of health care funding, 70% of men believe it is lacking compared to 82% of females.
Sixty-two percent of respondents were willing to pay more in taxes for education. When asked about which taxes should be increased across the state, they could not agree.
The council asked what kinds of tax increases voters would be willing to pay to increase funding for education.
Pay more sales tax:
- Yes – 33.48%
- No – 60.93%
- No opinion – 5.60%
Pay tax on internet purchases:
- Yes – 37.03%
- No – 55.46%
- No opinion – 7.50%
Pay more property tax:
- Yes – 27.66%
- No – 65.31%
- No opinion – 7.03%
Pay more income tax:
- Yes – 32.17%
- No – 60.44%
- No opinion – 7.40%
Willing to pay one of these:
- Yes – 62.85%
- No – 35.37%
- No opinion – 1.78%
“Citizens want to see higher levels of investment in education and are willing to put their money where their mouth is,” the report says. “Still, they do not agree on a specific revenue mechanism for funding increased education spending.”
Read the full report HERE.