Globe
Hassenfeld Institute Releases Survey on Reopening, Leadership, and Issues Facing RI
Jun 30, 2020, by Staff Writer
Learn About Bryant Apply to Bryant
For additional information, contact Gary Sasse, 401-524-3867

The Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University today released a public opinion survey of Rhode Island voters on their opinions about re-opening businesses and social activities as well as the key issues facing the Ocean State.

The survey found that two-thirds of voters (66%) believe Governor Raimondo is reopening the state’s economy at the right pace, while 25% said it was opening too slowly and 8% too fast.

The survey found that two-thirds of voters (66%) believe Governor Raimondo is reopening the state’s economy at the right pace, while 25% said it was opening too slowly and 8% too fast.

About two-thirds were very or somewhat comfortable returning to work (65%), getting a hair appointment (65%), and resuming retail shopping (67%). Conversely, Rhode Islanders were divided on reopening other aspects of the community and economy. 47% of registered voters say they are very or somewhat comfortable dining in a restaurant, compared to 52% who are somewhat or very uncomfortable doing so. 48% are comfortable attending religious services, while 44% are uncomfortable attending. 46% are comfortable sending their child back to school as compared to 40% who are uncomfortable doing so.

69% of registered voters said the ability of the state’s political leadership to solve problems was a problem.

Over seven out of ten Rhode Island voters said the state had a big or moderate problem with health care (82%), the budget deficit (82%), unemployment (76%), race relations (71%), and the rich-poor income gap (71%). Majorities said there were big or moderate problems with the way police misconduct cases are handled (57%) and distance learning programs (56%).

50% of registered voters supported school regionalization, while over two-thirds felt property taxes are a problem.

The telephone survey of 400 Rhode Island registered voters was conducted from June 18 through June 22, 2020 by Fleming & Associates. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 4.9%. Twenty-eight percent of calls were made to cell phones.

Read More

Related Stories