1. Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
   • 37.1%
     Right Direction
   • 48.7%
     Wrong Track
   • 14.2%
     Don't Know/Refused
2. And if the election for North Carolina State Legislature were held today, would you be voting for the:
   • 38.2%
     Republican candidate
   • 41.2%
     Democratic candidate
   • 6.6%
     Neither
   • 12.9%
     Don’t Know
   • 1%
     Don't Know/Refused
3. Now I am going to read you a list of people and organizations active in politics. After I read each name, please tell me if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of that person or group. If you never heard of them, just tell me and we�ll go on to the next one... the first one is Barack Obama
   • 30.3%
     Very Favorable
   • 17.5%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 9.4%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 38.1%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 4.5%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 0.2%
     Never Heard
4. Pat McCrory
   • 25.5%
     Very Favorable
   • 28.1%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 12.1%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 18.4%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 13.1%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 2.8%
     Never Heard
5. North Carolina Legislature
   • 6.6%
     Very Favorable
   • 33.8%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 19.7%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 14.2%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 21.5%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 4.1%
     Never Heard
6. North Carolina Legislative Republicans
   • 15.2%
     Very Favorable
   • 27.5%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 12.4%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 26%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 14.4%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 4.5%
     Never Heard
7. North Carolina Legislative Democrats
   • 14.2%
     Very Favorable
   • 27.8%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 16.6%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 19.9%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 16.7%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 4.8%
     Never Heard
8. Do you support or oppose a program that uses state taxpayer dollars to help pay for the political campaigns of judicial Council of State and other statewide candidates?
   • 8.3%
     Strongly Support
   • 12.4%
     Somewhat Support
   • 16.9%
     Somewhat Oppose
   • 53.8%
     Strongly Oppose
   • 8.4%
     Undecided/don't know
   • 0.2%
     Don't Know/Refused
9. Of the following fiscal policy issues, which do you feel North Carolina state lawmakers should address FIRST?
   • 35.6%
     Reducing the size of the state budget
   • 12.9%
     Spending more money on state government programs
   • 35.6%
     Reducing state tax rates
   • 7%
     Increasing state tax rates
   • 4.1%
     Other
   • 4.8%
     Don't Know/Refused
10. I'm going to read you a list of things you might purchase in any given month. Please tell me, to the best of your knowledge, if you pay the state sales tax when you purchase these things: Clothes
    • 95.7%
      Yes
    • 2.3%
      No
    • 2%
      Don't Know/Refused
11. Car Repairs
    • 70.2%
      Yes
    • 18.2%
      No
    • 11.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
12. Haircuts
    • 31%
      Yes
    • 54.3%
      No
    • 14.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
13. Groceries
    • 92.4%
      Yes
    • 6.1%
      No
    • 1.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
14. Prescription Drugs
    • 43.7%
      Yes
    • 35.1%
      No
    • 21.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
15. If North Carolina were to completely eliminate its state personal income taxes while expanding the sales tax to also apply to services such as lawyers, accountants, car repair, house painting, etc., would this change make your household Better off, worse off, or about the same?
    • 27.2%
      Better off
    • 20%
      Worse off
    • 45.7%
      About the same
    • 6.6%
      Don’t Know
    • 0.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
16. Of the following state tax reform options, which do you feel would create the most jobs for North Carolina?
    • 21.7%
      Eliminate income taxes
    • 14.7%
      Eliminate sales taxes
    • 25.3%
      Eliminate the corporate tax
    • 13.6%
      Increase taxes to fund additional state government spending
    • 5.8%
      Other
    • 18.9%
      Don't Know/Refused
17. North Carolina’s unemployment rate is 9.4 percent – tied for fifth highest in the nation. Which of the following policy changes would best help North Carolina lower its high unemployment rate?
    • 38.1%
      Reducing state government regulations on businesses
    • 25%
      Increasing state spending on government programs such as education, transportation, and Medicaid
    • 16.1%
      Reducing the state tax burden
    • 6.8%
      More subsidy programs that award taxpayer dollars to specific companies
    • 3.3%
      Other
    • 10.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
18. There is a proposal being considered that would reform North Carolina's tax system. Among other things, it would not tax the first 12 thousand dollars of any family's income, would institute a flat tax rate for personal income above that amount, and lower the corporate tax rate. The proposal would also lower the sales tax rate, BUT would expand sales taxes to services not currently being taxed. Do you support or oppose this tax reform proposal?
    • 21%
      Strongly Support
    • 29.5%
      Somewhat Support
    • 13.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 19.2%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 16.2%
      Undecided/don't know
    • 1%
      Don't Know/Refused
19. Now I would like to read you a list of statements in favor of this tax proposal. Please tell me whether each fact would make you more likely or less likely to support the tax reform proposal... This tax plan would result in the largest tax cut in state history.
    • 32.8%
      Much more likely
    • 29.8%
      Somewhat more likely
    • 9.6%
      Somewhat less likely
    • 11.4%
      Much less likely
    • 9.3%
      No Difference
    • 7.1%
      Undecided/Refused
20. This tax proposal eliminates loopholes and ends exemptions for special interests and big businesses.
    • 44.5%
      Much more likely
    • 28.3%
      Somewhat more likely
    • 7.1%
      Somewhat less likely
    • 9.1%
      Much less likely
    • 4.5%
      No Difference
    • 6.5%
      Undecided/Refused
21. Now I would like to read you a list of statements in opposition of this tax proposal. Please tell me whether each fact would make you more likely or less likely to support the tax reform proposal... This tax proposal applies the sales tax on services we use every day like haircuts, car repairs, and attorney’s fees that are not taxed now.
    • 12.9%
      Much more likely
    • 20.4%
      Somewhat more likely
    • 19.2%
      Somewhat less likely
    • 27.6%
      Much less likely
    • 13.7%
      No Difference
    • 6.1%
      Undecided/Refused
22. This tax proposal cuts taxes on businesses and the wealthy by shifting the tax burden onto poor people who are already struggling to make ends meet.
    • 8.4%
      Much more likely
    • 7.1%
      Somewhat more likely
    • 15.2%
      Somewhat less likely
    • 54.8%
      Much less likely
    • 7.9%
      No Difference
    • 6.5%
      Undecided/Refused

23. Split Sample

    • If you knew this tax reform plan would be the biggest tax cut in state history for North Carolina families would you support or oppose the proposal?
      • 38.1%
        Strongly Support
      • 28.8%
        Somewhat Support
      • 5.6%
        Somewhat Oppose
      • 15.9%
        Strongly Oppose
      • 10.9%
        Undecided/don't know
      • 0.7%
        Don't Know/Refused
    • If you knew this tax reform plan would be a 500 million dollar tax cut for North Carolina families, would you support or oppose the proposal?
      • 35.1%
        Strongly Support
      • 27.2%
        Somewhat Support
      • 6.3%
        Somewhat Oppose
      • 7.9%
        Strongly Oppose
      • 21.9%
        Undecided/don't know
      • 1.7%
        Don't Know/Refused
24. Currently non-profit Hospitals get a state refund on sales taxes worth almost 150 million dollars a year. With that in mind, please tell me which of the following comes closer to your own opinion when it comes to non-profit Hospitals getting these sales tax refunds....
    • 54.5%
      (Some/Other) people say that they oppose non-profit Hospitals getting sales tax refunds because recent news reports show these hospitals mark up the prices on life saving cancer drugs by up to 500% and make billions of dollars in profits. Even though they are nonprofits, these hospitals pay their executives multi-million dollar salaries.
    • 31.1%
      (Other/Some) people say they support non-profit Hospitals getting sales tax refunds because these hospitals provide a vital service, are a business, and tax refunds can help them make improvements in medical care and equipment.
    • 14.4%
      Don't Know/Refused
25. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recently adopted a policy called
    • 21%
      Strongly Approve
    • 17.7%
      Somewhat Approve
    • 10.1%
      Somewhat Disapprove
    • 41.6%
      Strongly Disapprove
    • 8.4%
      Undecided/don't know
    • 1.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
26. First, in what year were you born?
    • 5%
      18-25
    • 13.7%
      26-40
    • 30%
      41-55
    • 20.4%
      56-65
    • 25.3%
      66+
    • 5.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
27. terms of political party, are you a Republican, Democrat or something
    • 22.2%
      Strong Repubican
    • 9.6%
      Not So Strong Republican
    • 7.8%
      Not So Strong Democrat
    • 27%
      Strong Democrat
    • 31.5%
      Independent/unaffiliated/other
    • 0.2%
      Tea party
    • 1.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
28. In terms of your current employment status, would you say you…
    • 11.1%
      Are self-employed
    • 29.6%
      Work for a private company
    • 8.9%
      Work for Government
    • 5.5%
      Are a Spouse (homemaker)
    • 32.1%
      Are Retired
    • 8.3%
      Are Unemployed
    • 4.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
29. If you were to label yourself, would you say you are a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative in your political beliefs?
    • 10.4%
      Very Liberal
    • 10.1%
      Somewhat Liberal
    • 30.6%
      Moderate
    • 20.7%
      Somewhat Conservative
    • 23.5%
      Very Conservative
    • 4.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
30. What is the highest level of schooling you completed?
    • 2.2%
      Less than high school graduate
    • 23%
      High School Graduate
    • 27.2%
      2 year college technical/school
    • 29.1%
      4 year college graduate
    • 16.2%
      Post-Graduate
    • 2.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
31. Multiple Choices Accepted: Do you or an immediate family member get any government benefits such as unemployment, social security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, VA benefits and so on?
    • 2.3%
      Yes, Unemployment
    • 32.8%
      Yes, Social Security
    • 20.2%
      Yes, Medicare
    • 6%
      Yes, Medicaid
    • 3.8%
      Yes, Food Stamps
    • 4.8%
      Yes, VA Benefits
    • 1.7%
      Yes, Other
    • 49.3%
      No
    • 4.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
32. Which category best describes your race or ethnicity?
    • 74.5%
      White or Caucasian
    • 16.7%
      African-American or Black
    • 2.3%
      Hispanic or Latino
    • 3.3%
      Native American
    • 0.8%
      Asian or Pacific Islander
    • 1.3%
      Other
    • 1%
      Don't Know/Refused
33. Gender
    • 47.5%
      Men
    • 52.5%
      Women
34. Geographic Area
    • 21.7%
      Charlotte
    • 12.1%
      Western
    • 19%
      Piedmont Triad
    • 21.5%
      Triangle
    • 11.3%
      Northeast
    • 14.4%
      Southeast
35. Party Registration
    • 34.3%
      Republican
    • 44.2%
      Democrat
    • 21.5%
      Independent/Other

The post April 2013 Poll Results appeared first on Civitas Institute.

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The post April 2013 Poll Presentation Slides appeared first on Civitas Institute.

The post Viewpoints Radio appeared first on Civitas Institute.

1. Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
   • 38.5%
     Right Direction
   • 45.8%
     Wrong Track
   • 15.8%
     Don't Know/Refused
2. And if the election for North Carolina State Legislature were held today, would you be voting for the:
   • 43.4%
     Republican candidate
   • 33.8%
     Democratic candidate
   • 6.6%
     Neither
   • 16.1%
     Don't Know/Refused
3. Now I am going to read you a list of people and organizations active in politics. After I read each name, please tell me if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of that person or group. If you never heard of them, just tell me and we’ll go on to the next one…the (first/next) one is . . . Barack Obama
   • 29.9%
     Very Favorable
   • 14.1%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 9.3%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 43.6%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 3%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 0.2%
     Never heard of
4. Pat McCrory
   • 28.5%
     Very Favorable
   • 28.5%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 9.1%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 15.9%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 14.6%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 3.3%
     Never heard of
5. North Carolina Legislature
   • 6.8%
     Very Favorable
   • 30.8%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 16.3%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 17.4%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 25.9%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 2.8%
     Never heard of
6. Kay Hagan
   • 13.8%
     Very Favorable
   • 27%
     Somewhat Favorable
   • 13.6%
     Somewhat Unfavorable
   • 18.6%
     Very Unfavorable
   • 21.9%
     Heard of/no opinion
   • 5.1%
     Never heard of
7. Now, please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of: The job Barack Obama is doing as President of the United States.
   • 26.5%
     Strongly Approve
   • 17.1%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 10.8%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 45.6%
     Don't Know/Refused
8. ...the job that Pat McCrory is doing as Governor of North Carolina.
   • 22.2%
     Strongly Approve
   • 33.8%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 10.1%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 14.1%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 19.7%
     Don't Know/Refused
9. Governor McCrory recently signed into law legislation stating that North Carolina will NOT set up a state-based Health Insurance Benefit Exchange to facilitate the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This means the federal government will establish and pay for the Health Benefit Exchange in the state. The law also stated that North Carolina will not support the Medicaid expansion included as part of the Obamacare law, declining federal dollars to expand it. Do you support or oppose this recently signed law?
   • 31.8%
     Strongly Support
   • 15.1%
     Somewhat Support
   • 8.8%
     Somewhat Oppose
   • 35%
     Strongly Oppose
   • 9.3%
     Don't Know/Refused
10. A Taxpayer Bill of Rights would amend the State Constitution to limit the annual growth rate of the state budget to a combination of population and inflation growth. Tax revenue collected in excess of the annual spending cap would go into a "Rainy Day Fund" and, once that Rainy Day Fund has reached a sufficient level, any extra revenue would be returned to taxpayers. Do you favor or oppose this Taxpayer Bill of Rights for North Carolina?
    • 37%
      Strongly Favor
    • 23.5%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 7.6%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 14.3%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 17.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
11. At the end of last year, over 300 acres of state owned land in downtown Raleigh was leased to the city of Raleigh by outgoing Governor Bev Perdue. The lease is for 99 years at a rate well below market value. The city of Raleigh announced plans to make the land a destination park. But now, there has been legislation introduced in the state legislature to cancel that lease and renegotiate it. Some land would be retained by the state to consolidate state workers with the existing buildings on site and the remainder of the land would be put out for lease at a market rate. Do you favor or oppose the legislation canceling Perdue's lease with the City?
    • 28.4%
      Strongly Favor
    • 15.9%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 11.8%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 21.4%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 22.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
12. Sex-selection abortions are abortions where the mother chooses to have an abortion primarily because of the gender of the unborn child. Do you agree or disagree that women in North Carolina should be allowed to have an abortion when their primary reason for the abortion is the sex of the unborn child?
    • 10%
      Strongly Agree
    • 6.8%
      Somewhat Agree
    • 5.6%
      Somewhat Disagree
    • 71.5%
      Strongly Disagree
    • 6.1%
      Don't Know/Refused
13. Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for those convicted of first-degree murder in North Carolina?
    • 50.4%
      Strongly Favor
    • 15.1%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 6.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 21.6%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 6.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
14. Which of the following strategies do you think would be more effective at improving public education in North Carolina:
    • 39%
      Increase government spending on the current public education system.
    • 49.3%
      Allow parents more choice over which school their child can attend.
    • 11.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
15. On average, teachers can apply for tenure after three or four years. Tenure says that an employee cannot be dismissed, demoted or employed on a part-time basis except for violating one of fifteen stated criteria. Do you favor or oppose the concept of tenure for teachers?
    • 22.6%
      Strongly Favor
    • 14.9%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 13.9%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 36%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 12.6%
      Don't Know/Refused
16. Under current law, North Carolina principals, assistant principals and other administrators also have the opportunity to obtain tenure. Do you favor or oppose this policy?
    • 17.1%
      Strongly Favor
    • 13.3%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 17.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 39.1%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 13.4%
      Don't Know/Refused
17. Do you favor or oppose arming teachers and school safety personnel to help ensure the safety of classrooms and school campuses?
    • 29.4%
      Strongly Favor
    • 16.9%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 8.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 38.6%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 7%
      Don't Know/Refused
18. If you could send your child to any type of school, where would you send your child to get the best education available?
    • 41%
      Public School
    • 33.3%
      Private School
    • 4.8%
      Home School
    • 12.8%
      Charter School
    • 0.7%
      Virtual School
    • 1.2%
      Other
    • 6.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
19. The state legislature may soon consider a proposal establishing a scholarship grant of up to $4,200 for eligible students. Would you favor or oppose this scholarship grant?
    • 44.3%
      Strongly Favor
    • 24.4%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 7.3%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 10.3%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 13.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
20. Some believe award levels for the proposed scholarship grant should be increased to $5,500 to better reflect real education costs. Would you favor or oppose that increased scholarship grant amount?
    • 34.5%
      Strongly Favor
    • 21.1%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 11.6%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 17.1%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 15.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
21. Under the proposed plan for scholarship grants, eligible students must be from households whose income does not exceed 300 percent of federal poverty levels. This equals $69,150 for a family of four. Do you believe this income threshold is too high, too low or about right?
    • 25.5%
      Too High
    • 20.9%
      Too Low
    • 44.1%
      About Right
    • 9.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
22. Recently there has been some debate on President Obama's right and ability to use unmanned drones to kill people that the White House believes to be dangerous. Overall, do you support or oppose President Obama authorizing the military to use unmanned drones for this purpose?
    • 27.2%
      Strongly Support
    • 18.9%
      Somewhat Support
    • 9.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 31.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 13.1%
      Don't Know/Refused
23. And still on the topic of unmanned drones, do you support or oppose President Obama authorizing the military to use unmanned drones target American citizens that the White House considers to be dangerous, on American soil?
    • 11.1%
      Strongly Support
    • 9.5%
      Somewhat Support
    • 11.1%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 59%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 9.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
24. At the beginning of the month, the Sequester spending cuts went into effect. These are across the board federal government spending cuts that are automatically triggered if there is no budget compromise. Do you support or oppose the Sequester?
    • 21.9%
      Strongly Support
    • 16.3%
      Somewhat Support
    • 12.9%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 32.2%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 16.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
25. In your opinion, who do you feel bears most of the responsibility for the Sequester cuts...
    • 35.2%
      President Obama
    • 38.5%
      House Republicans
    • 17.2%
      Other/all/none
    • 9.1%
      Don't Know/Refused
26. In your opinion, will the Sequester spending cuts negatively impact you or your family?
    • 39.5%
      Yes
    • 44.6%
      No
    • 15.9%
      Don't Know/Refused
27. First, in what year were you born?
    • 4%
      18-25
    • 15.3%
      26-40
    • 30.3%
      41-55
    • 19.9%
      56-65
    • 26.7%
      66+
    • 3.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
28. In terms of political party, are you a Republican, Democrat or something else?
    • 24.5%
      Strong Republican
    • 11.1%
      Not So Strong Republican
    • 9.8%
      Not So Strong Democrat
    • 25.7%
      Strong Democrat
    • 25.9%
      Independent/unaffiliated/other
    • 0.7%
      Tea party
    • 2.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
29. In terms of your current employment status, would you say you…
    • 10.1%
      Are self-employed
    • 30.5%
      Work for a private company
    • 8.5%
      Work for Government
    • 6%
      Are a Spouse (homemaker)
    • 33.3%
      Are Retired
    • 8.6%
      Are Unemployed
    • 3%
      Don't Know/Refused
30. If you were to label yourself, would you say you are a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative in your political beliefs?
    • 8.6%
      Very Liberal
    • 7.6%
      Somewhat Liberal
    • 32.5%
      Moderate
    • 19.9%
      Somewhat Conservative
    • 27.4%
      Very Conservative
    • 4%
      Don't Know/Refused
31. Which of the following statements comes closest to describing your own opinion on the issue of abortion?
    • 17.1%
      I am pro-life and oppose abortions under all circumstances
    • 41.6%
      I am pro-life but believe exceptions should be made in cases such as rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.
    • 10.8%
      I am pro-choice, but I believe in parental notification and banning partial birth abortion and government funding.
    • 22.4%
      I am pro-choice without exception
    • 8.1%
      Don't Know/Refused
32. What is the highest level of schooling you completed?
    • 3%
      Less than HS Graduate
    • 26.2%
      High School Graduate
    • 25%
      2 yr. College/Technical School
    • 29.5%
      4 yr. College Graduate
    • 14.3%
      Post-Graduate
    • 2%
      Don't Know/Refused
33. Multiple Choices Accepted: Do you or an immediate family member get any government benefits such as social security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, VA benefits and so on?
    • 39.8%
      Yes, Social Security
    • 21.6%
      Yes, Medicare
    • 6.3%
      Yes, Medicaid
    • 5%
      Yes, Food Stamps
    • 5%
      Yes, VA Benefits
    • 1.5%
      Yes, Other
    • 49.4%
      No
    • 2.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
34. Which category best describes your race or ethnicity?
    • 74.3%
      White or Caucasian
    • 19.9%
      African-American or Black
    • 2.7%
      Hispanic or Latino
    • 0.8%
      Native American
    • 0.3%
      Asian or Pacific Islander
    • 0.8%
      Other
    • 1.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
35. Gender
    • 48.1%
      Men
    • 51.9%
      Women
36. Geographic area
    • 20.2%
      Charlotte
    • 14.1%
      Western
    • 19.9%
      Piedmont Triad
    • 21.1%
      Triangle
    • 11.4%
      Northeast
    • 13.3%
      Southeast
37. Party Registration
    • 33.3%
      Republican
    • 42.8%
      Democrat
    • 23.9%
      Independent/Other

The post March 2013 Poll Results appeared first on Civitas Institute.

With Special Guest Dr. Ben Carson

Thursday, June 27th
Raleigh Convention Center
500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC

5:00-6:30 pm – Vip Reception + photo line
6:30- 9:00pm – Program with Dr. Ben Carson, special guests and entertainment

About Upper Room Christian Academy: The Upper Room Christian Academy exists to partner with families and churches to prepare students for biblical, academic, and social excellence.  Located in Southeast Raleigh, Upper Room Christian Academy is fostering a lifelong dedication to learning and discovery.

The post Upper Room Community Scholars Program appeared first on Civitas Institute.

1. Do you feel things in North Carolina are generally headed in the right direction or have gotten off on the wrong track?
   • 37%
     Right Direction
   • 49.7%
     Wrong Track
   • 13.3%
     Don't Know/Refused
2. And if the election for North Carolina State Legislature were held today, would you be voting for the:
   • 39%
     Republican candidate
   • 38.5%
     Democratic candidate
   • 6.7%
     Neither
   • 15.8%
     Don't Know/Refused
3. Please tell me whether you approve or disapprove of: The job Barack Obama is doing as President of the United States.
   • 29.3%
     Strongly Approve
   • 19.7%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 8.2%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 40.3%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 2.5%
     Don't Know/Refused
4. ...the job that Pat McCrory is doing as Governor of North Carolina.
   • 21.7%
     Strongly Approve
   • 26.8%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 10.8%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 17%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 23.7%
     Don't Know/Refused
5. ...the job the North Carolina State Legislature is doing.
   • 7.5%
     Strongly Approve
   • 33.2%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 18.3%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 20.5%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 20.5%
     Don't Know/Refused
6. ... the Tea Party.
   • 15.2%
     Strongly Approve
   • 18.7%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 7.8%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 37.3%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 21%
     Don't Know/Refused
7. ...the job that Kay Hagan is doing as United States Senator.
   • 15.2%
     Strongly Approve
   • 32.3%
     Somewhat Approve
   • 11.8%
     Somewhat Disapprove
   • 14.7%
     Strongly Disapprove
   • 26%
     Don't Know/Refused
8. And, in the next election for US Senate, which of the following is more important to you? Would you rather…
   • 41%
     Elect a Democrat who will support President Obama’s programs and policies.
   • 47.5%
     Elect a Republican who will be a check and balance to President Obama’s policies and programs.
   • 11.5%
     Don't Know/Refused
9. If the Republican Primary for U.S Senate were held today and you had to make a choice, for whom would you vote, if the candidates were:Asked only of registered Republicans and unaffiliateds
   • 3.3%
     Definitely Tillis
   • 3.6%
     Probably Tillis
   • 1.2%
     Lean Tillis
   • 2.1%
     Definitely Berger
   • 2.1%
     Probably Berger
   • 1.2%
     Lean Berger
   • 4.8%
     Definitely Ellmers
   • 3%
     Probably Ellmers
   • 0.9%
     Lean Ellmers
   • 0.3%
     Definitely Brannon
   • 0.6%
     Probably Brannon
   • 70%
     Hard undecided
   • 0.3%
     Other
   • 6.6%
     Don't Know/Refused
10. Recently, North Carolina lawmaker considered a bill that cuts the maximum weekly unemployment benefit, and replaces 26 weeks of state-paid benefits with a sliding cap of 12 to 20 weeks. This bill will help North Carolina pay back the $2.5 billion dollars owed to the federal government, which was borrowed to pay the state's unemployed. Do you support or oppose this bill?
    • 32%
      Strongly Support
    • 16.3%
      Somewhat Support
    • 10.8%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 31.2%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 9.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
11. North Carolina lawmakers also considered a bill that will decline federal dollars to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. The federal money would expand Medicaid to include coverage for adults who meet certain income criteria. The initial federal money would cover all of the expansion but in future years state taxpayers will have to pick up a share of the Medicaid expense similar to the current program. Do you support or oppose this bill declining the federal dollars for Medicaid expansion?
    • 26.8%
      Strongly Support
    • 12.2%
      Somewhat Support
    • 9.5%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 41.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 9.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
12. Regarding the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina, If you knew that some of those who would receive Medicaid under the proposed expansion are eligible for subsidized private insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act and some currently have private coverage but would drop that in favor of government Medicaid coverage would you support or oppose this bill declining the federal dollars for Medicaid expansion.
    • 20.7%
      Strongly Support
    • 10.7%
      Somewhat Support
    • 16%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 36.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 16%
      Don't Know/Refused
13. The North Carolina legislature passed a bill stating that the state would not be establishing and paying for a Health Benefit Exchange to facilitate the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This means the federal government will have to establish and pay for any Health Benefit Exchange in North Carolina. Do you support or oppose this bill?
    • 28.2%
      Strongly Support
    • 14.7%
      Somewhat Support
    • 12.3%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 31.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 13.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
14. If it was your decision and you could select any type of school, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?
    • 47.3%
      Public School
    • 26.8%
      Private School
    • 6.3%
      Home School
    • 14.5%
      Charter School
    • 0.7%
      Virtual School
    • 0.7%
      Other
    • 3.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
15. North Carolina public schools are implementing a new curriculum called “Common Core State Standards” in every classroom. How aware are you of this curriculum? Would you say you are...
    • 12%
      Very aware
    • 20.7%
      Somewhat aware
    • 23%
      Not very aware
    • 43.5%
      Completely unaware
    • 0.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
16. Common Core State Standards have now been adopted by 46 states including North Carolina. The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a Washington DC based initiative whose goals are to bring diverse state education curricula into alignment with each other, so students in public schools in different places like New York City, Jackson, Mississippi or Los Angeles, California will study the same curriculum. Do you favor or oppose common core standards?
    • 30.8%
      Strongly Favor
    • 28.2%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 10.5%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 20.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 9.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
17. Please tell me which opinion comes closer to your own...
    • 48.5%
      Supporters of Common Core State Standards say that these standards will help improve academic standards and will better prepare students for a global economy.
    • 33.7%
      Critics of Common Core State Standards say that these standards will not be helpful since there is no evidence to justify a single curriculum for all students and will force states to adopt an unproven one-size-fits-all model of public education.
    • 17.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
18. And still thinking about Common Core State Standards, please tell me which opinion comes closer to your own...
    • 43.2%
      Some people say that Common Core State Standards will move public education toward a national curriculum. They say that centralizing control of curriculum will result in improved academic performance and allow government to better track and monitor educational problems and progress.
    • 38.5%
      Other people say that Common Core State Standards will transfer control of public education from the states to unelected officials in the federal government and will cost millions to implement because of testing requirements and unfunded mandates.
    • 18.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
19. If you were in charge of the North Carolina budget and had to decide how best to spend taxpayer dollars, would you choose to expand Pre-K education, to birth through 4 year olds, or to improve existing K-12 education?
    • 17.2%
      Definitely expanding pre-k
    • 6%
      Probably expanding pre-k
    • 12.8%
      Probably improving k-12
    • 59.2%
      Definitely improving k-12
    • 4.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
20. If you were in charge of the North Carolina State budget and had money to improve K-12 education in JUST one important area, from the below list how would you spend the money?
    • 41.8%
      Encourage improved teacher quality by rewarding high performing teachers and improving starting salaries for teachers and mid career professionals who want to teach.
    • 14.5%
      Implement additional technology in the classroom and technology training for teachers.
    • 17.7%
      Allocate a portion of the state per-student appropriation to each child and allow parents to determine where their child attends school. The money would follow the child so all schools must compete for students.
    • 9.2%
      Provide money to expand enrollment in North Carolina 1-4 year old education programs to more children.
    • 9.2%
      Expand North Carolina Virtual Public school on-line offerings to meet growing demand. Provide more staff to expand opportunities for blended learning involving in classroom and on-line learning.
    • 7.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
21. And what would be your second choice? Asked of those answering the previous question
    • 21.3%
      Encourage improved teacher quality by rewarding high performing teachers and improving starting salaries for teachers and mid career professionals who want to teach.
    • 26.2%
      Implement additional technology in the classroom and technology training for teachers.
    • 13.9%
      Allocate a portion of the state per-student appropriation to each child and allow parents to determine where their child attends school. The money would follow the child so all schools must compete for students.
    • 11.9%
      Provide money to expand enrollment in North Carolina 1-4 year old education programs to more children.
    • 14.6%
      Expand North Carolina Virtual Public school on-line offerings to meet growing demand. Provide more staff to expand opportunities for blended learning involving in classroom and on-line learning.
    • 12.1%
      Don't Know/Refused
22. Charter schools are public alternatives to traditional public schools. Currently charter schools receive no money for school buildings or athletic facilities. Would you favor or oppose a proposal to allow counties to voluntarily provide county funds for charter school facility costs?
    • 26.7%
      Strongly Favor
    • 24.3%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 11.7%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 30.2%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 7.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
23. An “Education Savings Account,” often called an ESA, allows parents to withdraw their child from a public school and receive a portion of the state per pupil funding into a state authorized account. Parents control the account and can use the money to pay for tuition, tutoring, books or a variety of approved educational expenses. In general do you favor or oppose ESAs?
    • 25.5%
      Strongly Favor
    • 16%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 12.2%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 35.8%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 10.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
24. Do you believe Education Savings Accounts should be...
    • 17.7%
      Limited to low income families, or children in failing schools ONLY
    • 59.7%
      Available to all families
    • 17%
      Not available to anyone
    • 0.3%
      Other
    • 5.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
25. School vouchers are based on the premise that funding should flow not to the school but follow the child. School vouchers allow parents to use tax dollars to pick the best school, even if it is a private school that fits their child. Do you favor or oppose the use of vouchers?
    • 28.5%
      Strongly Favor
    • 16%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 11.2%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 33.2%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 11.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
26. Currently many families with limited incomes are unable to provide quality educational opportunities for their children. Would you favor or oppose the state providing scholarship grants of up to $4,200 to per year to help families pay tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses at an appropriate school?
    • 37.2%
      Strongly Favor
    • 25.3%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 9.2%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 20.7%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 7.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
27. Do you personally have an official photo ID, such as a driver’s license, an ID card from the DMV, a military ID or a U.S. passport?
    • 98%
      Yes
    • 1.3%
      No
    • 0.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
28. Would you favor or oppose a law that requires voters to show government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being allowed to cast a vote in an election?
    • 61%
      Strongly Favor
    • 6.5%
      Somewhat Favor
    • 5.3%
      Somewhat Oppose
    • 25%
      Strongly Oppose
    • 2.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
29. Which statement more reflects your beliefs:
    • 65.7%
      North Carolina should have strict voting laws that insure that only eligible voters can vote, even if it means that some eligible voters have to vote a provisional ballot.
    • 27.3%
      North Carolina should have less strict voting laws so that everyone can vote even if some ineligible voters are able to cast ballots.
    • 7%
      Don't Know/Refused
30. Do you feel that there are any problems with North Carolina elections such as ineligible voters voting, voter fraud or any other type of problem which could cause citizens to question an election result?
    • 43.8%
      Yes
    • 48.7%
      No
    • 7.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
31. Now, as you may know, North Carolina does not currently require a government-issued photo ID in order to vote. If in the future a government issued voter ID is required to vote, do you believe it would be more likely to...
    • 57.2%
      Stop voter fraud
    • 29.7%
      Prevent eligible voters from casting a ballot
    • 8.7%
      Have no effect
    • 4.5%
      Don't Know/Refused
32. Would a photo ID requirement make you more likely to vote, less likely to vote, or would it make no difference?
    • 6.2%
      Much more likely
    • 2.8%
      Somewhat more likely
    • 1%
      Somewhat less likely
    • 1.5%
      Much less likely
    • 88.2%
      No Difference
    • 0.3%
      Don't Know/Refused
33. Will requiring voters to show a photo ID to vote give you more confidence in election results?
    • 64.7%
      Yes
    • 33.5%
      No
    • 1.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
34. In what year were you born?
    • 1.2%
      18-25
    • 8.3%
      26-40
    • 36%
      41-55
    • 23.5%
      56-65
    • 26.2%
      66+
    • 4.8%
      Don't Know/Refused
35. In terms of political party, are you a Republican, Democrat or something else?
    • 23.7%
      Strong Republican
    • 10.5%
      Not So Strong Republican
    • 8.8%
      Not So Strong Democrat
    • 31.3%
      Strong Democrat
    • 23.7%
      Independent/unaffiliated/other
    • 0.3%
      Tea party
    • 1.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
36. In terms of your current employment status, would you say you…
    • 10.2%
      Are self-employed
    • 29.2%
      Work for a private company
    • 10.5%
      Work for Government
    • 6.2%
      Are a Spouse (homemaker)
    • 32.7%
      Are Retired
    • 8.3%
      Are Unemployed
    • 3%
      Don't Know/Refused
37. If you were to label yourself, would you say you are a liberal, a moderate, or a conservative in your political beliefs?
    • 8.3%
      Very Liberal
    • 9.5%
      Somewhat Liberal
    • 29.8%
      Moderate
    • 22.3%
      Somewhat Conservative
    • 22.8%
      Very Conservative
    • 7.2%
      Don't Know/Refused
38. Which category best describes your race or ethnicity?
    • 77.8%
      White or Caucasian
    • 18%
      African-American or Black
    • 0.3%
      Hispanic or Latino
    • 0.7%
      Native American
    • 0.3%
      Asian or Pacific Islander
    • 1.2%
      Other
    • 1.7%
      Don't Know/Refused
39. What is the highest level of schooling you completed?
    • 2.8%
      Less than HS Graduate
    • 20.5%
      High School Graduate
    • 27.5%
      2 yr. College/Technical School
    • 27.3%
      4 yr. College Graduate
    • 19.8%
      Post-Graduate
    • 2%
      Don't Know/Refused
40. Gender
    • 47.2%
      Men
    • 52.8%
      Women
41. Geographic area
    • 20%
      Charlotte
    • 13.7%
      Western
    • 20.7%
      Piedmont Triad
    • 21%
      Triangle
    • 11.5%
      Northeast
    • 13.2%
      Southeast
42. Party registration
    • 33.5%
      Republican
    • 44.5%
      Democrat
    • 22%
      Independent

The post February 2013 Poll Results appeared first on Civitas Institute.

Dr. Arthur Laffer, former economic advisor to President Reagan and commonly referred to as the father of supply-side economics sits down with Civitas to discuss how cuts in tax rates bring prosperity. This 15-minute interview is packed with economic insights and experiences coming from one of the most influential economists of the last half century.

The post Interview with Dr. Art Laffer appeared first on Civitas Institute.

The post Brian Balfour on Abolishing NC’s Income Tax [Jason Lewis Show] appeared first on Civitas Institute.