Key findings from a Florida statewide survey of 600 registered voters and a statewide survey of 400 Republican primary voters conducted November 3, 5-6, 2011 and January 15-17, 2012, respectively.

1. Key findings from a Florida statewide survey of 600 registered voters and a statewide survey of 400 Republican primary voters conducted November 3,5-6, 2011 and January 15-17, 2012, respectively. Florida Statewide Surveys Bill McInturff, Partner Lori Weigel, Partner

3. The Political Context

4. Florida voters are very negative about the direction of the state and have been for several years. Right Direction: 49% Wrong Track: 40% Republican primary voters

5. The economy clearly dominates concerns. Attracting new jobs and business Improving public schools Improving transportation Fighting crime and illegal drugs Keeping taxes down Making health care more affordable Fighting illegal immigration

6. The top issues are not dramatically different from about one year ago, although the economy was not a top concern five years ago. *These are only the top issues. 2006 2010 2011 Top Two Top Two Top Two Attracting new jobs and business 12% 58% 60% Improving Public Schools 44% 37% 38% Keeping Taxes down 31% 30% 25% Making health care more affordable 40% 28% 29%

7. Attitudes About Spending Cuts

8. Health Care programs for low income families, the elderly, children, and the disabled. Of five programs potentially on the budget chopping block, Florida voters are LEAST likely to prefer cuts made to health care programs for low income Floridians. State Prisons Roads and transportation Colleges and Universities Schools from kindergarten through high school

9. In fact, over one-quarter say they would be most opposed to cuts to these health care programs, second only to K-12 education. Health Care programs for low income families, the elderly, children, and the disabled. State Prisons Roads and transportation Colleges and Universities Schools from kindergarten through high school Republican primary voters 42% 28% 10% 7% 6%

10. Focusing Specifically on Medicaid Cuts to Hospitals

11. Even when zeroing in on the Medicaid funding for hospitals specifically, three-quarters of state voters say it would be unacceptable to allow cuts in this area as a way to address the state budget. 60% Unacceptable/Strongly 12% Acceptable/ Strongly 15% Unacceptable/ Not so strongly 11% Acceptable/ Not so strongly 2% Don’t Know/Refused Total Acceptable 23% Total Unacceptable 75%

12. Voters across the state say this is an unacceptable way to balance the budget. Jacksonville 23% Acceptable 74% Unacceptable Panhandle 23% Acceptable 75% Unacceptable Tampa 29% Acceptable 70% Unacceptable Orlando 22% Acceptable 76% Unacceptable Miami/Ft. Lauderdale 24% Acceptable 73% Unacceptable West Palm Beach 12% Acceptable 86% Unacceptable Ft. Meyers/Naples 25% Acceptable 75% Unacceptable

13. Majorities of every ethnic and income group also reject these proposed cuts to Medicaid. -45% -75% -62% By Ethnicity

14. Even a majority of Republican primary voters say it is unacceptable to allow cuts in Medicaid as a way to address the state budget. 37% Unacceptable/ Strongly 17% Acceptable/ Strongly 20% Unacceptable/ Not so strongly 20% Acceptable/ Not so strongly 6% Don’t Know/Refused Total Acceptable 37% Total Unacceptable 57%

15. Voters believe these kinds of cuts will personally affect them if they need health care. % Almost Certain % Likely 19% 69% 22% 82% Will affect not just those on Medicaid but you and your family if you need hospital care Will result in fewer nurses, cuts in vital services, and longer waits for emergency care. Will make a significant reduction in the state budget deficit, so we can avoid raising taxes. 8% 52%

16. Republican Primary Voters Reaction to Governor Scott’s Budget Proposal

17. Republican primary voters are divided regarding Governor Scott’s specific budget proposal. Now, in a budget submitted by Governor Scott, he has proposed cutting reimbursement to state hospitals by two BILLION dollars from Florida’s Medicaid program. His proposal would use one billion dollars of these cuts from the Medicaid program to help balance the state budget and the other one billion dollars of these cuts to increase education funding. Do you favor or oppose this budget proposal? Total Favor 47% Total Oppose 43% 22% Strongly Favor 25% Strongly Oppose 18% Somewhat Oppose 25% Somewhat Favor 10% Don’t Know/Refuse