SMITHFIELD, RI - The Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University today released a public opinion survey of Rhode Island registered voters asking how they would like to see funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) spent in Rhode Island.
“How we spend that money matters, and voters overwhelmingly support funding education and small businesses.”
“Rhode Island and our localities are receiving over $2 billion in federal aid to spend over the next few years,” said Institute Director Gary Sasse. “How we spend that money matters, and voters overwhelmingly support funding education and small businesses.”
The survey revealed that 48 percent of voters do not trust Rhode Island’s elected officials to spend the money wisely, compared to 41 percent of voters who do. 60 percent of Democrats said they trust elected officials to spend the money wisely, compared to just 31 percent of Independents and 13 percent of Republicans.
Voters are divided on whether to prioritize ARP funds on one-time capital projects or daily government operations, with a plurality (38 percent) supporting capital improvements, 26 percent supporting daily operations, and 27 percent unsure.
50 percent of voters were opposed a future tax increase to keep operational programs going once ARP funds are depleted, compared to 43 percent who would support a future tax increase. 62 percent of Democrats were willing to support a future tax increase, compared to just 33 percent of Independents and 15 percent of Republicans.
At the state level, over 50 percent of voters thought it was somewhat or very important for ARP funds to be spent on providing grants and loans for small businesses (76 percent), jobs training and re-skilling programs (60%), and reversing pandemic-caused student learning losses (58 percent).
At the local level, over 50 percent of voters thought it was somewhat or very important for ARP funds to be spent on enhancing public school programs (63 percent), one-time infrastructure projects (54 percent), and expanding services for seniors (53 percent).
Regarding capital improvement projects, over 50 percent of voters thought it was somewhat or very important for ARP funds to be spent on repairing roads and bridges (61 percent), modernizing school facilities (59 percent), and investing in climate resiliency and renewable energy (53 percent).
The telephone survey of 400 Rhode Island registered voters was conducted from April 25 to April 28, 2021 by Fleming & Associates. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 4.9% for the overall sample. Eighty percent of calls were made to cell phones.
About the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership
The Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University, founded in 2012, provides public officials and community leaders with the tools and skills needed to make informed decisions and manage responsive organizations effectively. Custom programs enable state and local leaders to access university-level education in innovative leadership practices while engaging in robust discussion with their peers.
