Polls

Fall 2004 IssuesPA/Pew Poll: General Election and Health Care
August 2004

More Keystone state residents now are dissatisfied with the way things are going in Pennsylvania than are satisfied (49% vs. 44%). That is not quite as negative as the U.S. public’s view of the direction of the country (58% dissatisfied in a late July Newsweek poll), but nonetheless represents a recent low point for the state. In April, Pennsylvanians were almost evenly split in their view of the way things are going in their state (48% satisfied vs. 46% dissatisfied). One year ago, they were mostly positive about the direction of the state (51% satisfied vs. 41% dissatisfied in September 2003). Economic concerns continue to be perceived as the top problem facing Pennsylvania (48%), with jobs being the specific economic issue most often cited by the statewide public (27%), followed by taxes (13%). Health care-related issues are cited by 12% overall, followed by education (8%). Asked to rate the job state government is doing in dealing with important issues, 23% give an excellent or good rating, 54% an only fair rating, and 20% a poor rating.

Most Important Issues/Problems (Aug 2004) Satisfaction level Most important problem facing PA Important issues for presidential vote Attitudes Toward Government (Aug 2004) Satisfaction level State government job performance Confidence in state officials Election Preferences (Aug 2004) Most important problem facing PA Important issues for presidential vote Presidential Trial Heat PA Senate Trial Heat Presidential Preference -- detailed breakouts Top Ten Health Care Findings (August 2004) Health Care: Better or worse in PA? Difficulty paying for health care/insurance Saving money on prescription drugs Malpractice award caps Malpractice costs influence on access to doctors State role in monitoring quality of care Cost savings versus choice or new technologies Causes of high health care costs Support for universal health insurance Impact on family of guaranteed health insurance