Q: HELLO1

 

PICK UP THE PHONE AND DIAL "9," THEN "1," THEN THE NUMBER IN THE UPPER

LEFT CORNER OF THE SCREEN.

 

IF YOU HEAR A FEW RINGS FOLLOWED BY SILENCE, THE NUMBER IS PROBABLY A

LOCAL ONE. TRY DIALING THE NUMBER AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME LEAVE OFF THE

"1" AND THE AREA CODE.

 

                   [IF A PERSON ANSWERS, QUICKLY PRESS 1]

 

                           [OTHERWISE, PRESS 2]

 

Hello, this is _____, a college student calling from Middle Tennessee State

University. We recently started an interview with ______. I'd like to resume

the interview if this is a good time. [HIT 1 TO RESUME, CTRL-END TO STOP]

 

IF (HELLO1 = 1) SKIPTO HELLO2

 

Q: BYENOW1

 

DIDN'T GET ANYONE? THAT'S FINE. PRESS ANY INTERVIEW, THEN CLICK ON THE PHRASE THAT DESCRIBES WHAT

HAPPENED.

 

IF YOU'RE HERE BY MISTAKE, PRESS "ESC" TO BACK UP

 

CTRLEND

 

Q: HELLO2

 

Hello, this is _____, a college student calling from Middle Tennessee State

University. We're not selling anything or asking for money. We're surveying

Middle Tennesseans on the income tax, the death penalty, religion, and other

important issues. [REPEAT THIS INTRO EACH TIME YOU NEED TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF]

 

May I speak with the person age 18 or older living at this address whose

birthday is coming up next?

 

   [IF NOT A HOME NUMBER]: Sorry, I've got the wrong place. 'Bye. [PRESS 2]

 

   [IF PERSON ISN'T HOME]: OK, I'll try back later. Can you give me an idea

   of when I can call back and who I should ask for? [PRESS 3]

 

[WHEN RIGHT PERSON IS ON THE LINE]: You're the one I'd like to talk to. If

you'll let me interview you, we'll keep your answers confidential. Of

course, you don't have to answer any question you don't want to. And, if you

don't really have an opinion on an issue, just tell me and we'll go to the

next questions. May I begin?

 

1 YES (GO TO FIRST QUESTION)

2 NO (STOP INTERVIEW)

3 SCHEDULE A CALLBACK

 

 

IF (HELLO2 = 1) SKIPTO MAINPROB

IF (HELLO2 = 2) SKIPTO BYENOW2

IF (HELLO2 = 3) SKIPTO CALLBACK

 

SKIPTO MAINPROB

 

Q: BYENOW2

 

TOUGH LUCK! HANG IN THERE. PRESS ANY INTERVIEW, THEN CLICK ON THE PHRASE THAT DESCRIBES

WHAT HAPPENED.

 

IF YOU'RE HERE BY MISTAKE, PRESS "ESC" TO BACK UP

 

CTRLEND

 

Q: CALLBACK

 

[PRESS ANY WE NEED TO TALK TO AS WELL AS A GOOD TIME TO CALL BACK]

 

[IF YOU'RE HERE BY MISTAKE, PRESS THE "ESC"

CTRLEND

 

C: MAINPROBLEM AND APPROVAL MODULE FOR FRONT OF QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Q: MAINPROB

First, tell me in your own words: What do you think is the

number one problem confronting the state of Tennessee at

this time?

 

[CHOOSE ONE OF THE GENERAL CATEGORIES BELOW IF THE PERSON'S

ANSWER SEEMS TO FIT THERE. OTHERWISE, CHOOSE "OTHER," TYPE

IN A SUMMARY OF THE PERSON'S ANSWER, THEN CLICK "OK."]

 

1 Government inefficiency and waste

2 Government corruption

3 The poor state of education

4 The poor state of health services and health insurance

5 High taxes

6 Outdated or unfair tax system

7 Traffic congestions and road construction

8 State budget crisis

9 Other:                                        

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

OTHER 9 21 20 21 69

VERSION = RANDNUM 1 2

START = SYSTIME

IF (VERSION = 1) SKIPTO APGOV

IF (VERSION = 2) SKIPTO CHLIVING

 

Q: APGOV

 

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Don Sundquist is

handling his job as governor?

 

(IF "DEPENDS," PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall do you approve or

disapprove of the way Don Sundquist is handling his job as

governor?)

 

1 Approve

2 Disapprove

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: APLEG

 

Do you approve or disapprove of the job the Democratic

leaders in the Tennessee State Legislature are doing?

 

(IF "DEPENDS," PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall do you approve or

disapprove of the job the Democratic leaders in the

Tennessee State Legislature are doing?")

 

1 Approve

2 Disapprove

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: APMAYOR

 

Do you approve or disapprove of the job Bill Purcell has

done as mayor of Nashville?

 

(IF "DEPENDS," PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall, do you approve or

disapprove of the job Phil Bredesen has done as mayor of

Nashville?")

 

1 Approve

2 Disapprove

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

C: GROWTH MODULE (DO NOT ROTATE)

 

Q: CHLIVING

 

In the last several years, the Middle Tennessee region

has undergone a great deal of change, including economic

and population growth. Some people believe this is good,

while others think it is bad. As a whole, do you feel

that recent changes have made living in Middle Tennessee

better, about the same, or worse?

 

1 Better

2 About the same

3 Worse

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: CHNHOOD

 

Do you think these changes in Middle Tennessee have

made life in you own neighborhood better, about the

same, or worse?

 

1 Better

2 About the same

3 Worse

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

 

Q: GROWINCR

 

Do you believe that government and business in Middle

Tennessee should work to see that growth is increased,

decreased, or should it stay the same?

 

1 Decrease growth

2 Stay same

3 Increase growth

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: GROWCOST

 

Some people feel that new growth in Middle Tennessee pays

for itself. Others believe that growth costs more money than

it brings in. Still others think it is a break-even

proposition. Do you think growth costs money, is a break-

even proposition, or brings in money?

 

1 Costs money

2 Break even

3 Brings in Money

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: INSTGOVT

 

Now let's consider some major institutions in Middle

Tennessee. As far as the people running *state government*

are concerned, would you say you have a great deal of

confidence in them, only some confidence in them, or hardly

any confidence at all in them ... a great deal, only some,

or hardly any?

 

1 A great deal

2 Only Some

3 Hardly any

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: INNASHGV

 

How about the government of Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson

County?

 

[IF NECESSARY, PROMPT WITH: "Would you say you have a great

deal of confidence, only some confidence, or hardly any

confidence at all in the people running the government of

Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County?"]

 

1 A great deal

2 Only Some

3 Hardly any

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: INCOPS

 

How about law enforcement officials

 

[IF NECESSARY, PROMPT WITH: "Would you say you have a great

deal of confidence, only some confidence, or hardly any

confidence at all in law enforcement officials?"]

 

1 A great deal

2 Only Some

3 Hardly any

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

TAXORDER = RANDNUM 1 4

IF (TAXORDER = 1) SKIPTO CRISIS1

IF (TAXORDER = 2) SKIPTO CRISIS2

IF (TAXORDER = 3) SKIPTO CRISIS3

IF (TAXORDER = 4) SKIPTO CRISIS4

 

 

C: *** TAXES VERSION 1 ***

 

Q: CRISIS1

 

Now let's talk about Tennessee's financial situation.

 

Do you believe that the state of Tennessee is facing a

financial crisis, or not?

 

1 Yes, it is

2 No, it isn't

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: INCTAX1

 

There have been several suggestions made about how Tennessee

could raise more money. We would like to ask you how you

feel about some of these options.

 

In general, would you strongly favor ...favor ... oppose ...

or strongly oppose establishing a state personal income tax,

or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: SUNDTAX1

 

Governor Sundquist has proposed a plan that would levy a

three and three quarter percent flat tax on income, reduce

the state sales tax from 6 percent to three and three

quarter percent, and eliminate the sales tax on food.  Do

you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose

that plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: ESTPAY1

 

Do you think you would pay more in taxes, pay less in taxes,

or pay about the same amount in taxes under the governor's

plan?

 

1 Pay more

2 Pay less

3 About the same

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: RAISRAT1

 

Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or

strongly oppose a state personal income tax if there were a

constitutional amendment that required a 60% vote in the

General Assembly in order to raise your tax rate, or aren't

you sure about that?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: GRADTAX1

 

There are some alternatives to the governor's plan. As I describe

each one, could you please tell me how you feel about it.

 

An alternative to the Governor's proposal is a graduated

income tax of up to 5 percent, depending on one's income.

The sales tax on food would be eliminated. Do you strongly

favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or

aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: SALESTX1

 

Another alternative is to apply a 1% sales tax to products

and services that aren't currently taxed, like doctor's

fees, lawyer's fees, beauty salon services, and prescription

drugs.  Do you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

Q: CARTAX1

 

Yet another alternative is a tax on cars of $60 to $70 per

year.  Do you strongly favor... favor... oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/no opinion (volunteered)

r Refused/not applicable (volunteered)

 

 

C: SPENDING

 

Q: SPTRAN1

 

The governor's budget includes new spending in several

areas.  I'd like to know how you feel about some of his

proposals ...

 

[HIT ANY

 

Q: TEACHSL1

 

What about additional spending to raise the salaries of

Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers by 3%.   Do you

strongly favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this

plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TEACHCS1

 

Raising teacher salaries by 3% will cost $47 million.  Does

this make you more likely to support the proposal, less

likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it make a

difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: HEADSTR1

 

What about additional spending to expand early childhood

education to reach more at-risk pre-school children.  Do you

strongly favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this

plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: HEADCOS1

 

Expanding the early childhood education program would cost

$12 million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: EDTEST1

 

What about additional spending to do more testing in English

and math classes to be sure that students master these

subjects before they receive credit.  Do you strongly

favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or

aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TESTCOS1

 

Additional testing in English and math would cost $6.5

million. Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GOVSAL1

 

What about additional spending to raise the salaries of

state government employees by 3%.   Do you strongly favor...

favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or aren't

you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GOVCOS1

 

Raising the salaries of state government employees will cost

about $25 million.  Does this make you more likely to

support the proposal, less likely to support the proposal,

or doesn't it make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: LAWSPEN1

 

What about additional spending for the court system, to

enforce child support, to pay prison costs, and to train

troopers.  Do you strongly favor... favor... oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: LAWCOST1

 

Additional spending in these areas would amount to $25

million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TENNCAR1

 

What about increasing state spending for TennCare, the state

health care program, by about 9%.  Do you strongly favor...

favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or aren't

you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TENNCOS1

 

This additional spending on health care will amount to $132

million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TAXORCU1

 

If you had to choose between raising taxes and cutting

programs to balance Tennessee's budget, which would you do?

 

1 Raise taxes

2 Cut programs

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: CAPTRAN1

 

Now we'd like to ask you some questions about the death

penalty ...

 

[PRESS ANY

IF (VERSION = 1) SKIPTO CAPLIFE

IF (VERSION = 2) SKIPTO CAPMURDR

 

C: *** TAXES VERSION 2 ***

 

Q: CRISIS2

 

Now let's talk about Tennessee's financial situation.

 

Do you believe that the state of Tennessee is facing a

financial crisis, or not?

 

1 Yes, it is

2 No, it isn't

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TAXORCU2

 

If you had to choose between raising taxes and cutting

programs to balance Tennessee's budget, which would you do?

 

1 Raise taxes

2 Cut programs

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: INCTAX2

 

There have been several suggestions made about how Tennessee

could raise more money. We would like to ask you how you

feel about some of these options.

 

In general, would you strongly favor ...favor ... oppose ...

or strongly oppose establishing a state personal income tax,

or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q:  SUNDTAX2

 

Governor Sundquist has proposed a plan that would levy a

three and three quarter percent flat tax on income, reduce

the state sales tax from 6 percent to three and three

quarter percent, and eliminate the sales tax on food.  Do

you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose

that plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: ESTPAY2

 

Do you think you would pay more in taxes, pay less in taxes,

or pay about the same amount in taxes under the governor's

plan?

 

1 Pay more

2 Pay less

3 About the same

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: RAISRAT2

 

Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or

strongly oppose a state personal income tax if there were a

constitutional amendment that required a 60% vote in the

General Assembly in order to raise your tax rate, or aren't

you sure about that?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GRADTAX2

 

There are some alternatives to the governor's plan. As I describe

each one, could you please tell me how you feel about it.

 

An alternative to the Governor's proposal is a graduated

income tax of up to 5 percent, depending on one's income.

The sales tax on food would be eliminated. Do you strongly

favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or

aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: SALESTX2

 

Another alternative is to apply a 1% sales tax to products

and services that aren't currently taxed, like doctor's

fees, lawyer's fees, beauty salon services, and prescription

drugs.  Do you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: CARTAX2

 

Yet another alternative is a tax on cars of $60 to $70 per

year.  Do you strongly favor... favor... oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

C: SPENDING

 

Q: SPTRAN2

 

The governor's budget includes new spending in several

areas.  I'd like to know how you feel about some of his

proposals ...

 

[HIT ANY

 

Q: TEACHSL2

 

What about additional spending to raise the salaries of

Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers by 3%.   Do you

strongly favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this

plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TEACHCS2

 

Raising teacher salaries by 3% will cost $47 million.  Does

this make you more likely to support the proposal, less

likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it make a

difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: HEADSTR2

 

What about additional spending to expand early childhood

education to reach more at-risk pre-school children.  Do you

strongly favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this

plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: HEADCOS2

 

Expanding the early childhood education program would cost

$12 million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: EDTEST2

 

What about additional spending to do more testing in English

and math classes to be sure that students master these

subjects before they receive credit.  Do you strongly

favor... favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or

aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TESTCOS2

 

Additional testing in English and math would cost $6.5

million.    Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GOVSAL2

 

What about additional spending to raise the salaries of

state government employees by 3%.   Do you strongly favor...

favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or aren't

you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GOVCOS2

 

Raising the salaries of state government employees will cost

about $25 million.  Does this make you more likely to

support the proposal, less likely to support the proposal,

or doesn't it make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: LAWSPEN2

 

What about additional spending for the court system, to

enforce child support, to pay prison costs, and to train

troopers.  Do you strongly favor... favor... oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: LAWCOST2

 

Additional spending in these areas would amount to $25

million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TENNCAR2

 

What about increasing state spending for TennCare, the state

health care program, by about 9%.  Do you strongly favor...

favor... oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or aren't

you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: TENNCOS2

 

This additional spending on health care will amount to $132

million.  Does this make you more likely to support the

proposal, less likely to support the proposal, or doesn't it

make a difference?

 

1 More likely

2 Less likely

3 No difference

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: CAPTRAN2

 

Now we'd like to ask you some questions about the death

penalty.

 

[PRESS ANY

IF (VERSION = 1) SKIPTO CAPLIFE

IF (VERSION = 2) SKIPTO CAPMURDR

 

 

 

C: *** TAXES VERSION 3 ***

 

Q: CRISIS3

 

Now let's talk about Tennessee's financial situation.

 

Do you believe that the state of Tennessee is facing a

financial crisis, or not?

 

1 Yes, it is

2 No, it isn't

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: INCTAX3

 

There have been several suggestions made about how Tennessee

could raise more money. We would like to ask you how you

feel about some of these options.

 

In general, would you strongly favor ...favor ... oppose ...

or strongly oppose establishing a state personal income tax,

or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q:  SUNDTAX3

 

Governor Sundquist has proposed a plan that would levy a

three and three quarter percent flat tax on income, reduce

the state sales tax from 6 percent to three and three

quarter percent, and eliminate the sales tax on food.  Do

you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose

that plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: ESTPAY3

 

Do you think you would pay more in taxes, pay less in taxes,

or pay about the same amount in taxes under the governor's

plan?

 

1 Pay more

2 Pay less

3 About the same

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: RAISRAT3

 

Would you strongly favor ... favor ... oppose ... or

strongly oppose a state personal income tax if there were a

constitutional amendment that required a 60% vote in the

General Assembly in order to raise your tax rate, or aren't

you sure about that?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: GRADTAX3

 

There are some alternatives to the governor's plan. As I describe

each one, could you please tell me how you feel about it.

 

An alternative to the Governor's proposal is a graduated

income tax of up to 5 percent, depending on one's income.

The sales tax on food would be eliminated. Do you strongly

favor...favor...oppose....or strongly oppose this plan, or

aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose

x Don't know/No opinion (volunteered only)

r Not applicable/Refused (volunteered only)

 

 

Q: SALESTX3

 

Another alternative is to apply a 1% sales tax to products

and services that aren't currently taxed, like doctor's

fees, lawyer's fees, beauty salon services, and prescription

drugs.  Do you strongly favor...favor...oppose....or

strongly oppose this plan, or aren't you sure?

 

1 Strongly favor

2 Favor

3 Not sure

4 Oppose

5 Strongly Oppose