An even more popular reform is Governor Stitt’s proposal of saving money for the state’s rainy-day fund.  When voters are told of the 574 million dollar increase in certification of funds, 73% agree with Stitt’s proposal to saving at least 200 million into the state’s savings account.  “Everyone should pay attention to the question wording here,” McFerron said.  “In this question we made the argument that the state should spend the money to make-up for past underfunding.  Even with this note, a strong supermajority of voters still favor saving over spending.”
  
“Fully 84% of Republicans and 87% of those Republicans who regularly vote in primary elections favor the savings plan,” McFerron continued. “And this is a message that unites both urban and rural Oklahomans with more than 70% of each group supporting saving at least $200 million.”

“We are excited about the results of this poll,” said Harlow.  “As advocates for Oklahoma consumers, we want a state government which is responsive to them.  This polling shows that support for these two priorities of the Stitt administration is one way to give Oklahomans what they desire.”

The survey of Oklahoma registered voters was conducted by live agents on both land and mobile lines.  It was controlled for gender, age of respondent, partisan affiliation, and region of the state so that it accurately reflects the Oklahoma electorate.  Conducted March 12-15, 2019, the survey of 400 registered voters has a margin of error of +/- 4.9%.   Full question wording is below.
 
1. As you may know, Governor Stitt and legislative leaders recently announced they had reached a compromise agreement which will give the Oklahoma governor’s office more control over the key agency boards.  These nine-member boards will now be comprised of five gubernatorial appointments and four from legislative leaders who will serve at the will of whoever appoints them.  This will allow any governor in Oklahoma to have more control and responsibility for actions of these agencies instead of the way it is now where the appointments can last for years and overlap from one governor to the next, meaning a new governor may not gain control of an agency for six years or more.  From what you know, do you approve or disapprove of this new approach?

58%​ Approve
28%​ Disapprove
14% Undecided
 
2. As you may know, the state equalization board has certified that the state legislature will have $574 million more to spend this year than last year.  Governor Stitt has proposed saving at least $200 million of these dollars into the state’s rainy-day fund savings account, while others say the state should spend all of this money to make-up for past underfunding.  Do you favor or oppose Governor’ Stitt’s proposal to save at least $200 million?

73%​ Favor
20%​ Oppose
 7% ​ Undecided

Oklahomans Support Expanding Public Charter Schools

Voters Say Rural Parents Should Have Same Option as City Parents

The latest edition of The Sooner Survey, Oklahoma’s leading polling publication produced by Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates, shows that Oklahomans embrace the statewide authorizing of charter schools.

“While the study shows that many Oklahoma voters do not realize charter schools are public schools, they do believe that competition will improve public schools,” explained Pat McFerron, President of Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates. “75% want rural communities to have the same option urban districts have,” McFerron continued.

The survey of 500 registered voters in Oklahoma was conducted February 23-28, 2014 and has a margin of error of +/- 4.3%.

“Oklahomans are united in their support for school competition and for expanding charter schools,” McFerron stated. “One of the unique aspects of the school-choice dynamic is that it brings together groups that don’t always see eye-to-eye. For example, Democrats who approve of Obama’s job performance and Tea Party advocate lead the charge in support for more charter schools.”

“Those who live in rural Oklahoma are the most supportive of allowing expansion (81%) as are those with a history of voting in Republican primaries,” McFerron stated.

“We hear people every day talk of concern for our education system and debate about what reforms are desired. Expansion of charter schools is one change where the public has widespread agreement,” McFerron concluded.

Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates is a nationally recognized polling firm headquartered in Oklahoma. Now in its 26th year, the company has worked for Presidential, US Senate, Gubernatorial and Congressional clients throughout the nation. The firm has its own state-of-the-art calling facility and does all of its own interviewing.

A copy of the full newsletter, including questionnaire wording can be found here.

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