House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

May 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. Alberts Reports Voters Concerned About Government Accountability, Energy and Healthcare

 

State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-50th, Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, Woodstock, says voters who responded to his annual legislative survey ranked government accountability, energy and healthcare as top priorities for the legislature to address this year.

 

Rep. Alberts mailed a survey to several thousand households. Of 810 responses received so far, the results are as follows:

 

  1. When asked about top legislative priorities, 29% ranked government accountability the most important, 29% energy, 12% healthcare, 10% jobs, 8% environmental protection and 8% education. The remainder suggested other priorities or gave no answer.
  2. On spending and tax proposals, 35% prefer eliminating the state income tax on pensions, 33% put the highest priority on retaining the state spending cap and 26% want the legislature to review and reauthorize programs every two years.
  3. On childrens’ issues, 43% said it is important to encourage business to establish day care service, 31% keep sex offenders away from schools and 20% give instruction on Internet safety.
  4. On the environment, 42% said it is most important to identify threatened farm properties for acquisition, 35% want increased state support for alternative energy sources and 18% want the state to promote energy conservation
  5. On health issues, 40% said it is most important to allow portable health insurance 31% want to expand the state HUSKY health insurance program for low-income children, and 18% want to increase the state program for senior citizens’ prescription drug aid.
  6. On gay marriage, 60% said gay and lesbian couples should not have the legal right to marry and 37% said yes.  
  7. On transportation, 74% said the state should not reinstitute tolls on Interstate Route 395 and 22% support tolls.
  8. Concerning property rights, 86% said the state legislature should prohibit the government taking of property for economic development, while 11% would not change the law concerning taking of private property through eminent domain.
  9. On the question whether the state should legalize marijuana for medical purposes, 63% said yes and 34% said no.
  10.  On jobs and the economy, 35% said Connecticut should expand programs to recruit companies, 32% urged that the state cut taxes to lure employers, 21% want the state more provide regulatory relief and the remainder were uncertain or gave no answer.

 

“These are very revealing results,” said Rep. Alberts. “People continue to show a strong concern for making sure that government works in the best interests of the public. Also, there seems to be a high anxiety over the high cost of gasoline, electricity and healthcare.”

 

Rep. Alberts serves the 50th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives.