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Floridians Express Views on Education, Social Issues


December 21, 2012 | WMFE - A new poll on education policy and social issues shows Florida voters are split on gay marriage and legalizing marijuana but overwhelmingly disagree with a series of education reform proposals for the state's public schools and universities

The new poll from Quinnipiac University found that 45 percent of registered Florida voters oppose same-sex marriage while 43 percent support it. That's a change from last May when Floridians were split 50/50 on the issue.

The respondents were also divided on the issue of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana but a wider margin said they opposed it. 52 percent say they oppose making marijuana legal while 42 percent support legalization.

Governor Rick Scott and state education leaders have proposed a number of sweeping changes for education in the state and, the new Quinnipiac Poll indicates, most voters dislike the proposals.

Critics say a state education plan setting achievement goals for students based on race sends the wrong message about minority students while others say it recognizes that an achievement gap exists.

The poll found 71 percent of Florida voters don’t like the plan.

73 percent of voters are also against allowing some universities to charge higher tuition rates and 66 percent oppose a plan to give math and science majors lower tuition rates. 

The poll respondents are also skeptical of Governor Scott’s challenge to state colleges to create 4-year degree programs for $10,000 dollars. Less than 33 percent of registered voters polled believe it’s likely to happen.

Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,261 registered voters by telephone last week. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent.

 

 

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