press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

May 11, 2021

Contact: Sam Inglot, (616) 916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org

New Poll: Michiganders Favor Bold Plans to Rebuild from Pandemic

Monthly research newsletter shows high disapproval of GOP effort to tie federal relief to emergency powers

MICHIGAN – On Monday, Progress Michigan released the latest edition of Lake Effect, a monthly public opinion newsletter that surveys Michigan voters about a variety of issues and elected officials.

“Michiganders have made it clear time and time again: They want real policy solutions that will protect and strengthen our communities throughout this pandemic and beyond,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “That is exactly what President Biden and Governor Whitmer have done, with the president’s plan to rebuild our infrastructure with good-paying jobs and the governor’s detailed road map to gradually restore normalcy in Michigan as more and more residents are vaccinated. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have shamelessly blocked federal money in a futile power grab as they ignore the very real problems facing our state, Instead, they have chosen to work on rolling back voting rights and undermining our democracy.”

Full results of the poll can be found here. Some highlights include:

  • 46 percent of respondents disapprove of Republican lawmakers’ refusal to allocate federal relief money unless the governor gives up her emergency powers. Only 25 percent approve.
  • 50 percent of those polled support President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, compared to 42 percent who oppose the plan overall. The plan’s individual pieces poll even higher—for example, 59 percent who support raising taxes on those making over $400,000 per year, while only 34 percent oppose. 
  • 46 percent of respondents support Gov. Whitmer’s “MI Vacc to Normal” plan, while just 38 percent oppose.
  • 54 percent of respondents said they were fully or partially vaccinated, while 8 percent are not vaccinated but planning to get the vaccine and 30 percent do not intend to get vaccinated.
  • 53 percent of those polled believe the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, compared to 28 percent who do not believe they are safe.
  • 42 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat oppose Republican lawmakers’ 39-bill election reform package, while 39 percent strongly or somewhat support the bills.
  • Only 42 percent of respondents are very or somewhat familiar with the work of Michigan’s Independent Redistricting Commission. 55 percent said they are not too familiar or not familiar at all with these efforts.

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