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.