In Wisconsin Majorities of Democrats and Republicans Favor Major Federal Actions to Help Families

Support for Higher Child Tax Credit, Universal Preschool, Subsidized Childcare, Paid Leave

September 18, 2024 – As many costs for families, especially those with children, continue to rise faster than wages, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) in Wisconsin, five other swing states and nationally, finds bipartisan majorities support the Federal government:

• reinstating the higher pandemic-era Child Tax Credit
• providing funding for free universal preschool
• subsidizing childcare for low- and middle-income families
• creating a national 12-week paid family and medical leave program for all workers

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, comments, “There is strong bipartisan support for the Federal government taking a more active role in strengthening the support system for families, especially those with children.”
[Full Report]

This survey is the seventh in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample.

Reinstating Higher Child Tax Credit
The annual tax credit provided to parents with children under the age of 18 - the Child Tax Credit – was temporarily increased by Congress during the Covid pandemic, from a maximum credit of $2,000 per child to a maximum of $3,600 per child. The higher tax credit was also made fully refundable, so parents who did not pay income taxes still got the full
benefit. Those changes expired in 2022. A bipartisan majority in Wisconsin favors reinstating this pandemic-era Child Tax Credit (69%), including majorities of Republicans (60%) and Democrats (80%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities are in favor (69-77%). Nationally, 74% are in favor, including 64% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats.

Respondents were informed in advance that the pandemic-era tax credit both reduced child poverty by about a third and significantly reduced federal revenues, and would likely have the same effects if reinstated.

In addition, a majority of 57% in Wisconsin supports providing a $6,000 tax credit per child to parents of children under age one, including 65% of Democrats. Republicans in Wisconsin are statistically divided, with 51% in favor and 49% opposed. Across all swing states, support is 57% to 71%. Nationally, 65% are in favor, including a modest majority of Republicans (55%), and a large majority of Democrats (75%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Federal Funding to Support Free Universal Preschool
A proposal for the Federal government to provide $25 billion to help states or local governments that want to set up or expand free preschool programs, available to all 3-4 year-olds, is favored by 76% in Wisconsin, including majorities of Republicans (63%) and Democrats (91%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 76% to 83%. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 82% is in favor (Republicans 74%, Democrats 92%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Subsidizing Childcare for Low and Middle-Income Families
A bipartisan majority of 74% in Wisconsin favor the Federal government providing funds to states that want it, to subsidize childcare programs for young children so they are free for low-income parents, and middle-income parents pay no more than 7% of their income. This includes 65% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 74% to 80%. Nationally, 76% are in favor (Republicans 66%, Democrats 88%).
[BAR GRAPH]

Paid Family and Medical Leave for All Workers
A bipartisan majority of 72% in Wisconsin favor creating a national paid family and medical leave program that would:

• require employers to allow all workers to take up to 12 weeks of leave
• provide workers on leave with two-thirds of their wages (up to $4,000 a month), with funds from a new 0.2% payroll tax on both employees and employers

In Wisconsin, this proposal is favored by 63% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 68% to 75%. Nationally, 72% are in favor, including majorities of Republicans (61%) and Democrats (85%).

In advance, respondents were informed that current Federal law requires most employers to allow most workers to take up to 12 weeks of family or medical leave, but this law does not apply to workers who are in small companies, are new to their job, or work part-time. In addition, current law does not mandate that workers receive any pay while on leave. They were informed that, while not required, some employers provide paid family and medical leave to their workers. But currently, less than half of workers have access to such paid leave.

About the Survey
The survey was fielded Aug 17-29, 2024 with 587 adults in Wisconsin by the
Program for
Public Consultation
at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is 4.6%.

• Wisconsin Families and Children Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs,
  and Methodology
• Families and Children Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
• National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested
• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation

In Wisconsin Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Agree on Measures to Eliminate Most of Social Security Shortfall

Favor Raising Taxes and Reducing Benefits for High-Income Earners, While Raising COLAs, Benefits for Low Income and Age 85+

September 12, 2024 - A new public consultation survey in Wisconsin, five other swing states and nationally, finds significant bipartisan support for major proposals–including revenue increases and benefit cuts–that would reduce Social Security’s long-term shortfall by 78% and extend the program’s longevity for decades. [Full Report]

Without any reforms to revenues or benefits, the Social Security Trust Fund will be depleted by 2033, and benefits will be cut for all retirees.

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the sixth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally. Unlike standard polling, respondents went through an interactive online ‘policymaking simulation’ in which they were briefed and evaluated pro and con arguments for proposed reforms. The survey content was reviewed by experts on different sides of the debate. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample.

Revenue Increases

Overwhelming majorities of Democrats and Republicans in Wisconsin support two proposals to increase revenues, which would cover three-quarters of the Social Security shortfall:

• Making Wages Over $400k Subject to the Payroll Tax: Currently, wages subject to the payroll tax are capped at $169,000. A proposal to make all wages over $400,000 subject to the payroll tax, which would eliminate 60% of the shortfall, is supported by 88% in Wisconsin, including 85% of Republicans and 92% of Democrats. Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (86-89%), as well as nationally (87%).
  [GRAPH]

• Increasing the Payroll Tax: Respondents were given the option of gradually increasing the payroll tax over several years from 6.2 percent to 6.5 percent by 2030, 6.9 percent by 2038, or to 7.2 percent by 2044, or not raise it. Increasing the payroll tax to at least 6.5 percent, which would eliminate 15% of the shortfall, is supported by 86% in Wisconsin (Republicans 85%, Democrats 88%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (83-88%), as well as nationally (86%).
  [GRAPH]

Benefit Reductions

Two benefit reductions, which would cover a quarter of the Social Security shortfall,
also have robust bipartisan support:

• Reducing Benefits for High-Income Earners: Respondents were given the options of reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of earners, the top 40 percent, or the top 50 percent, or they could not choose any of those options. Reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of income earners, which would eliminate 11% of the shortfall, is supported by 93% in Wisconsin (Republicans 90%, Democrats 94%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (91-94%), as well as nationally (92%).
  [GRAPH]

• Raising the Retirement Age: Respondents were given options to gradually raise the full retirement age, which is currently set at 67 years old: raise it to 68 by 2033, to 69 by 2041, or to 70 by 2064, or they could not choose any of those options. Raising the retirement age to at least 68, which would eliminate 15% of the shortfall, is supported by 88% in Wisconsin (Republicans 89%, Democrats 87%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (88-91%), as well as nationally (89%).
  [GRAPH]

“While some of these proposals–such as raising the retirement age or raising payroll taxes–are not popular in themselves, when Americans consider the full picture, large bipartisan majorities support taking tough steps to secure the Social Security program,” commented Steven Kull, director of PPC. Kull adds, “We were struck by how similar the Republicans and Democrats are on all these questions.”

Raising Benefits

The four reforms endorsed by majorities–to increase revenues and reduce certain benefits– would eliminate 101% of the shortfall. However, majorities also favor benefit increases which increase the shortfall by 23%. Combined, all of these proposals would reduce the shortfall by 78%.

• Raising the Minimum Benefit: Increasing the minimum monthly benefit for someone who worked 30 years from $1,066 to $1,570 which would increase the shortfall by 7%, is supported by 70% in Wisconsin (Republicans 65%, Democrats 77%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (70-73%), as well as nationally (71%). The minimum benefit would rise with inflation, and always be set at 125% of the federal poverty line.
  [GRAPH]

• Increasing Benefits for 85+: Raising benefits for those 85 and over by about $100 a month, which would increase the shortfall by 4%, is supported by 65% in Wisconsin (Republicans 58%, Democrats 70%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (64-67%), as well as nationally (68%).
  [GRAPH]

• Increasing Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs): Changing the way COLAs are calculated by focusing on the goods and services that older adults tend to buy, which would increase the shortfall by 12%, is supported by 66% in Wisconsin (Republicans 62%, Democrats 68%). Bipartisan majorities in all swing states are in support (65-68%), as well as nationally (68%).
  [GRAPH]

About the Survey

Respondents were initially briefed on and evaluated each proposal separately. At the end of the survey, they were presented all options on the same page, with information about the potential impact of each on the Social Security shortfall. They were told they need not select any of the options. As they made selections, they could see the total impact of their choices on the shortfall. Estimates of shortfall effects came from the Social Security Administration.

The Wisconsin survey was fielded August 2-17, 2024 with 602 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/-4.5%.

• Wisconsin Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

• National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

• National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Social Security

In Wisconsin, Majorities of Republicans and Democrats Oppose Criminalizing Abortion Before Fetal Viability

Favor Ensuring Access to Birth Control

September 4, 2024 - While policymakers argue over whether abortion should be a right or a crime, the public has a clear policy stance on the matter. A new survey in Wisconsin, the five other swing states, and nationally, finds that majorities of Republicans and Democrats oppose criminalizing abortion before fetal viability. Bipartisan majorities favor reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions through policies ensuring access to birth control.

This survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the fifth in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Criminalizing Abortion
A large bipartisan majority of 78% in Wisconsin do not want abortion to be criminalized before fetal viability. This includes 57% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. Support for this position across all the swing states ranges from 73% to 80%. Nationally, 77% take this position (Republicans 61%, Democrats 90%).

Before making their decision, respondents were informed that criminalizing abortion means prison time or fines for the doctor or the woman. After evaluating strong arguments for and against criminalizing abortion, respondents could choose to: make abortion a crime 1) at all stages of pregnancy, 2) only after 15 weeks, 3) only after fetal viability (22-24 weeks), or 4) not make abortion a crime at any stage of pregnancy.

A smaller but still robust majority of 65% in Wisconsin goes further and opposes criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, including 85% of Democrats and four-in-ten Republicans (41%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 61% to 70%. Nationally, two-thirds take this position, including eight-in-ten Democrats, and half of Republicans.

Support for criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy is just 13% in Wisconsin, including 25% of Republicans and just 3% of Democrats. Across all swing states, just 7% to 13% support that policy, as do just 11% nationally (Republicans 19%, Democrats 5%).

Public Overestimation of Support for Criminalizing All Abortions
Respondents were asked to estimate what percent of Americans support criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy. In all states and nationally the majority estimated 40% or more. The actual level of support for that policy is just 11% nationally.

Making Abortion Law Federal or Leaving Up to States
After choosing which abortion law they favor, respondents were asked whether they want their preferred abortion law to be a federal law that applies nationwide, or only the law in their own state with every other state able to have their own law. A majority of 73% of Wisconsinites favor having a federal abortion law, including 59% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support for a federal abortion law ranges from 68% to 73%. Nationally, 70% take this position (Republicans 56%, Democrats 82%). [GRAPH]

Majorities nationally support a federal law irrespective of their preference for what the law should be. This includes the full range from those who want to criminalize abortion at any stage of pregnancy to those who oppose any criminalization.

Ensuring Access to Birth Control
Policies that seek to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions through access to birth control receive large majority support among Republicans and Democrats in every swing state, and nationally.

• Requiring all public schools to provide education about birth control is supported by 84% in Wisconsin, including 80% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. Support for this policy in all the swing states ranges from 80% to 84%, and is 80% nationally. [GRAPH]

• Ensuring nationwide access to birth control, by prohibiting state governments from restricting or banning birth control, is supported by 85% in Wisconsin, including 81% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 80% to 85%, and is 81% nationally. [GRAPH]

• Continuing the Affordable Care Act mandate that most insurance plans cover long-term birth control, such as the pill and IUDs, is supported by 89% in Wisconsin, including 84% of Republicans and 96% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 85% to 90%, and is 85% nationally. [GRAPH]

• Increasing funding for health care clinics so they can provide long-term birth control for free or at a low cost is supported by 79% in Wisconsin, including 68% of Republicans and 92% of Democrats. In all the swing states, support ranges from 78% to 80%, as well as 76% nationally. [GRAPH]

Steven Kull comments, “Large bipartisan majorities want to greatly limit the role of government when it comes to abortion, but they do want the government to actively ensure access to birth control.”

Trying to Reduce Abortions Through Mandatory Ultrasounds and Waiting Periods
Respondents were asked about methods for trying to reduce abortions by putting more requirements on the process of getting an abortion, as has been done in several states.

• Requiring doctors to show an ultrasound of the fetus to the woman before providing the abortion, is favored by 51% in Wisconsin and opposed by 49%. A majority of Republicans are in favor (66%), but less than half of Democrats are (37%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 44% to 57%. Nationally, 48% favor this requirement while 52% oppose it. [GRAPH]

• Requiring women to have a waiting period of 1-3 days before receiving an abortion is favored by 50% in Wisconsin and opposed by 49%. This inclues a majority of Republicans (64%) and less than half of Democrats (39%). In all the swing states, support ranges from 43% to 54%. Nationally, 44% are in favor and 54% oppose. [GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Wisconsin survey was fielded June 18th through July 3rd, 2024 with 607 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/-4.5%.

• Wisconsin Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

• National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology

• National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested

• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Abortion and Birth Control

In Wisconsin, Democrats and Republicans Agree
the US Should Continue Military Aid to Ukraine

Strong Bipartisan Support for Maintaining US Membership in NATO

August 28, 2024 - Amid debates about US international engagement, a new public consultation survey in Wisconsin, five other swing states, and nationwide by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC) finds bipartisan majority support for the US continuing to provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats support the US upholding the principle of collective security by helping to protect nations that are under attack; continuing to be a member of NATO; and continuing to abide by the longstanding international ban on nuclear testing. [Full Report]

This survey is the fourth in the Swing Six Issue Surveys series being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, commented, “Surveys have consistently shown that, while Americans don’t want the US to be the world policeman, they do want the US to work with other countries to uphold the international order and help protect nations from aggressors.”

Continue Military and Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
The US continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine – including weapons, ammunition, training and intelligence – is favored by a bipartisan majority of 71% in Wisconsin, including 58% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from 64% to 71%, and is 67% nationwide.

Before coming to their conclusion, respondents were informed in the briefing that the US has already provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars worth of military aid and that the European countries have provided an equivalent amount. Presented two arguments against providing aid– that European nations are responsible for taking care of this war, and that the US engagement risks escalation to nuclear war – both were found convincing by small majorities. But the two arguments in favor – that US engagement is necessary to prevent Russia from further aggression, and to uphold the international order based on national sovereignty – were both found convincing by larger majorities of around eight-in-ten.

The US continuing to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine – including food, shelter, and assistance to repair infrastructure – is favored by 75% in Pennsylvania, including 67% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from 71% to 75%, and is 74% nationwide. [BAR GRAPH]

Uphold Collective Security Should Be a High Priority
A bipartisan majority of 81% in [State] say it should be a high priority for the US to uphold the principle of collective security, which says that when a country comes under attack, other countries should join together to help defend it, through military force and/or economic sanctions. This includes 76% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 75% to 81% in all the swing states, and is 80% nationwide. [BAR GRAPH]

Maintain US Membership in NATO
Respondents were given a briefing on the Western military alliance NATO and how it includes “a key section, called Article 5, which says that NATO members regard an attack on any member as an attack on all and that all members will defend any member that is attacked.” The US continuing to be part of NATO is favored by 81% of Wisconsinites, including 77% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. Across all the swing states, support ranges from
76% to 81%, and is 78% nationwide.

Continue Moratorium on Nuclear Testing
Recently, the debate over nuclear weapons testing has been reignited by calls for the US military to restart testing. The US, Russia, China, France and the UK have all had moratoriums on testing for three decades, as part of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). In Wisconsin, 73% say the US should continue its moratorium on nuclear testing, including 72% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 73% to 78%, and is 75% nationwide. [BAR GRAPH]

About the Survey
The Wisconsin survey was fielded July 19 to August 2, 2024 with 597 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/-4.6%.

• Wisconsin - International Security Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology

• National - International Security Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology

• National and Six State Full Report

• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on International Security

About the Program for Public Consultation
The Program for Public Consultation
(PPC) at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, develops and conducts public consultation surveys, seeking to improve democratic governance by consulting representative samples of citizens on key public policy issues. It shares its findings with officials in government, the media, other academics, and the general public.

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats in Wisconsin Support Keeping Tax Credits for EVs and Clean Energy, Limits on Offshore Drilling

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Amid much discussion about whether to roll back current laws and regulations that aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses and to expand offshore drilling, a new survey in Wisconsin, the five other swing states and nationally, finds that bipartisan majorities support keeping:

• tax credits for electric vehicles and charging stations
• current limits on offshore drilling
• tax credits for clean energy and energy efficiency,
  
• mandates to gradually raise fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks

This survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) is the third in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states and nationally on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides of the issues to ensure accuracy and balance.

Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, “Bipartisan majorities favor keeping recently-enacted policies to reduce carbon emissions and to limit offshore drilling. On the other hand, there is also little support for going further.”

Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Given the options to increase, maintain or repeal a list of tax credits, bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin, as well as in the other swing states and nationally, favor maintaining or increasing tax credits for electric vehicles and public charging stations.

• For buying a new EV, a tax credit up to $7,500 for people earning under $150,000, support is 74% in Wisconsin, including 58% of Republicans and 87% of Democrats.
• For buying a used EV, a tax credit up to $4,000 for people earning under $75,000, support is 76%, including 57% of Republicans and 94% of Democrats.
• For installing a public charging station, a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installation, support is 78%, including 64% of Republicans and 92% of Democrats.

These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Support for repealing the EV tax credits ranged from just 21% to 26% in Wisconsin, including just 35% to 42% of Republicans and 6% to 12% of Democrats, as well as 19% to 26% in all swing states. At the same time, support for increasing such tax credits ranged from just 28% to 33% in Wisconsin, and 28% to 37% in all swing states.

Offshore Drilling

Respondents were asked whether the government should seek to maintain, increase or decrease offshore drilling for oil and gas. In Wisconsin, 72% favor maintaining or decreasing the levels of drilling, including 59% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats, as well as 52% to 63% in all swing states.

Increasing drilling is favored by just 28% in Wisconsin, including 40% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats, as well as just 23% to 30% in the swing states. At the same time, only 30% in Wisconsin favor decreasing the amount of offshore drilling, as do 24% to 30% in all swing states.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Keeping tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements is supported by bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin (80% to 89%), including 73% to 85% of Republicans and 87% to 97% of Democrats. Respondents were presented a list of eight tax credits for clean energy production and energy-efficiency improvements, and informed that these tax credits reduce federal revenues by about $100 billion a year. In all six swing states, support ranges from 76% to 91%. These tax credits are in the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022.

Just 10% to 19% in Wisconsin favor repealing each tax credit, including 14% to 25% of Republicans and 3% to 12% of Democrats, as well as 9% to 24% in all six swing states. At the same time, increasing them is favored by just 21% to 39% in Wisconsin, and 21% to 41% in all swing states.

A Wisconsin respondent elaborated on their support for the tax credits, writing, “We all suffer the costs of dirty energy. We need to keep incentivizing clean energy solutions.”

Fuel Efficiency Requirements for New Cars

Respondents were asked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation requiring new cars and light trucks to get 20-30% more miles per gallon by 2027 and told that this increases the price of new cars, but saves new car owners money in the long run. This regulation is favored by 71% in Wisconsin, including 57% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats, as well as 66% to 71% in all swing states.

About the Survey

The Wisconsin survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 597 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin sample is +/- 4.6%.

• Wisconsin Energy and Environment Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
• National Energy and Environment Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
• National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested
• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation on Energy and Environment Policies

Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans Agree Congress, SCOTUS, POTUS and VP Should Not Trade Stocks

Overwhelming bipartisan majorities of Wisconsin residents support a prohibition on stock trading by Congress, the Supreme Court, President and Vice President, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) finds.

This survey is the second in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in six swing states on major policies. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Legislation to prohibit any stock trading in individual companies among Members of Congress was first introduced in 2022, and has been reintroduced every year since, as has legislation prohibiting stock trading by Supreme Court Justices, the President and Vice President. Under the proposals, officials would still be able to buy and sell shares in large portfolios, like mutual funds, and retain their existing stocks if put in an independently managed fund, known as a blind trust. The ban would also apply to live-in family members.

Prohibiting Members of Congress and their live-in family from trading individual stocks is favored by 76% in Wisconsin, including 72% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats. Support in the six swing states ranges from 71% to 76%, with national support at 72%.

Prohibiting Supreme Court Justices, the President and Vice President, and their live-in family, from trading individual stocks is favored by 77% in Wisconsin, including 72% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Support in the six swing states ranges from 72% to 77%, with national support at 74%.

Director of the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation, Steven Kull, noted, “Americans of all political stripes have great concerns about potential conflicts of interest and self-serving decisions on the part of policymakers.”

Presented pro and con arguments, the most popular argument was that there are, “too many potential conflicts of interest when Members of Congress can hold and trade stocks in individual companies,” with 85% of residents finding it convincing in Wisconsin.

The con arguments did not do as well, with just 42% in Wisconsin finding convincing the argument that this new law is not necessary, since “we already have laws against insider trading, and Members of Congress can be investigated and charged just like anyone else.”

A Wisconsin respondent elaborated on their views, “Anyone in a position to regulate or pass laws concerning a company's future should not be allowed to trade shares in that company.”

About the Survey
The Wisconsin survey was fielded July 10-19, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 597 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.6%.

• Wisconsin Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology
• National and Six State Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
• National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested
• Go Through the Policymaking Simulation

Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans Agree on How to Lower Health Care Costs

July 25, 2024 - As the price of healthcare continues to rise faster than wages, a new public consultation survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland finds large bipartisan majorities of Wisconsin residents support a number of policy proposals for lowering healthcare costs.

This survey is the first in a series–the Swing Six Issue Surveys - being conducted in the runup to the November election in six battleground states on major policy proposals. In addition to Wisconsin, survey states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy. Content is reviewed by experts on different sides to ensure accuracy and balance.

Capping Drug Prices
The Federal government capping the price of all drugs to what is charged in other developed countries is favored by 78% in Wisconsin, including 87% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranged from 77% to 81%, with national support at 78%.
In the briefing, respondents were informed that drugs in the US generally cost twice as much as in other developed countries and that this proposal would result in fewer new drugs being developed, per a Congressional Budget Office study.

Making Higher ACA Subsidies Permanent
Making permanent the pandemic-era law that temporarily increased Affordable Care Act subsidies for lower and middle-income households, is favored by 66% in Wisconsin, including 78% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 62% to 68%, with national support at 67%.
Revoking Patents for Unaffordable Drugs Developed with Federal Aid
Allowing the Executive Branch to revoke patents for drugs developed with federal aid, if they are priced so high that they are unaffordable for most who need them, is favored by 77% in Wisconsin, including Democrats (81%) and Republicans (75%).
Support in the six swing states ranges from 74% to 77%, with national support at 73%.
Prohibiting Deals that Delay the Release of Generic Drugs
Prohibiting “pay-to-delay”–in which brand-name drug companies preserve their ability to charge high prices by paying generic drug companies to delay bringing their generic version to market–is favored by 73% in Wisconsin, including 81% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 72% to 77%, with national support at 71%.
Requiring Price Transparency for Healthcare Costs
Price transparency–requiring that health and insurance providers make prices publicly available as a means of promoting competition and lowering costs–has been enacted by both the Trump and Biden administrations through executive orders. Making price transparency requirements permanent through legislation is favored by 78% in
Wisconsin, including 82% of Democrats and 80% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranges from 75% to 84%, with national support at 77%.
Funding Substance Abuse Treatment
Providing $13 billion in additional federal funding to help make treatment for substance use disorder low-cost or free to nearly everyone who needs and wants it is supported by 74% in Wisconsin, including 82% of Democrats and 70% of Republicans. Support in the six swing states ranged from 65% to 79%, with national support at 80%.
PPC Director, Steven Kull, noted, “Even with the airwaves filled with divisive messages, when people focused on possible approaches to lowering healthcare costs, we found tremendous bipartisan common ground in Wisconsin and in the other swing states.”

A Wisconsin respondent elaborated on their views, “I know a lot of people who struggle to afford their medications. Our country is way behind on this and needs to start helping its people be able to get the medicines they need. You should never have to go without medication because you can't afford it.”

The survey was fielded June 28th to July 8th, 2024 with 607 adults by PPC. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of PPC. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, marital status, home ownership, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the Wisconsin and the other state samples is +/-4.5% and +/-2.3% to 3.9% for the national sample.

• WI Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and Methodology
• National and Six State Full Report, including sources of proposals tested
• Health Care Costs Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
• Take the Policymaking Simulation on Health Care Costs