MILWAUKEE — A recent survey of 603 Wisconsin residents conducted by a class of undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) shows widespread support for increasing the minimum wage in the state.
The survey also indicated a mixed approval rating for Gov. Jim Doyle’s performance so far, with a majority saying they were satisfied with the way the state is being managed in general, but far fewer saying they were happy with the economy in Wisconsin.
The survey was conducted between March 24 and April 9 under the direction of Professor Thomas Holbrook, who teaches the political science course in survey research, and using the facilities of the UWM Center for Urban Initiatives and Research (CUIR).
The statewide telephone sample was selected by random-digit dialing, and all data were weighted by respondent gender to reflect the adult population of Wisconsin. The margin of error for the full sample is approximately +/- 4 percentage points, though this varies for the individual tables because the valid sample size fluctuated.
On the issue of raising the minimum wage, two versions of the question were asked, one that provided the current minimum wage rate and the proposed increase (from $5.15 to $6.50 an hour), and one that excluded that information. Results did not show much difference, with about 71 percent supporting the measure and 12 percent opposing it.
Results also showed that a clear majority of those from all political subgroups – liberals, moderates, and conservatives – supported the proposed increase. While there was a slight difference in level of support between men (79 percent among those with an opinion) and women (92 percent among those with an opinion), support for increasing the minimum wage did not vary significantly across income, age, or racial groups.
The only true split in the survey responses occurred on the question of whether people agreed with the statement, “The typical minimum-wage earner could make more money if he or she wanted to.” While nearly half (49 percent) of respondents disagreed, 41 percent said they agreed, indicating that even among those who thought minimum-wage earners could do more to help themselves there was still support for increasing the minimum wage.
Another surprise in the survey was the relatively high number of respondents who said they weren’t sure about Doyle’s performance as governor (27 percent). Thirty-eight percent of respondents gave the governor a “thumbs up,” while 29 percent disapproved of the job he is doing.
The information suggests that public opinion on the governor could change considerably between now and the next election on Nov. 6, 2006, says Holbrook.
Another possible reason for the elevated number of undecided respondents was that the survey question did not provide a middle ground, says Holbrook. “When asked to choose between two opposite positions, it is common for people without opinions, or with very weak opinions, to opt for the “don’t know” category,” he says.
Doyle’s approval rating may have been influenced by the number of people who said they believed the state’s economy had gotten worse (41 percent) or stayed the same (40 percent) in the last year.
Respondents were more satisfied when discussing their own personal finances compared to a year ago. Most said they were about the same financially compared to last year (57 percent), while 24 percent believed they were worse off.
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(CONTACT: Tom Holbrook, 414-229-6468, holbroot@uwm.edu.)
