P-Base Poll

For immediate release as of 10 a.m.,
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Contact: Jon Bennion (406)442-2405 ext. 104

Poll Shows Montanans Strongly Support Business
Scientific Survey of Voters Reveals Montana’s Opinions

The results of the 2007 Montana Chamber Power-Base (P-Base) poll show Montanans are eager to develop the state’s natural resources, address barriers to long-term sustainable growth, and create more good-paying jobs. The scientific poll had a sample size of 800 Montanans, with a margin of error of 3.5%. The Montana Chamber has produced this now-annual poll since 1992.

Development

When asked whether the state should encourage oil and gas, mining, and timber industries because of jobs and economic benefits or discourage these industries because of potential environmental impact, Montanans resoundingly voiced support of development, 68% - 18%. A clear majority of respondents also believed business can be expected to do the right thing when it comes to protecting the environment by a margin of 63% to 25%.

“The recent state budget surpluses are due, in part, to the natural resource boom,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber. “Montanans obviously can connect the dots. They want to see more resource development so we continue to enjoy surpluses and wage growth in the future.”

Business

55 percent think Montana businesses can be expected to do the right thing when it comes to treating workers fairly when deciding on healthcare coverage, retirement and other work place benefits. Only 31% disagreed with that statement.

Additionally, strong majorities of voters believe businesses can be trusted to make important decisions in treating workers fairly when it comes to benefits, hiring & firing employees, and protecting the environment.

“We are pleased that Montana voters are behind business on important economic issues,” said Brown. “They understand that a thriving, healthy business community is key to creating good-paying jobs and more state revenues.”

Voter Concerns and Preferences

The P-base is also a good opportunity to see what financial/pocketbook concerns are on the minds of voters. For the second straight year, health care costs continue to be the top concern at 28% and higher energy costs come in second at 16%. Additionally, job creation and increased wages are the top election concerns of voters at 15%. Lower taxes & government spending, improving education, and lowering health care costs tied for second place at 13% as the next highest priority for elected officials.

In the coming legislative elections, voters are slightly more likely (42%) to re-elect their local state legislators rather than support someone new (38%).

For more information, please contact Jon Bennion, Government Relations Director at (406)442-2405, ext. 104, or jon@montanachamber.com. The full report will be available at www.montanachamber.com next week.


Webb Scott Brown, CAE, President/CEO
Montana Chamber of Commerce - your business advocate
incl.: Montana Justice Coalition, Montana Manufacturing Council, and Montana Assn. of Chamber Executives
2030 Eleventh Avenue, Suite 21 / PO Box 1730
Helena, Montana 59624-1730
406-442-2405 ext. 101 / 406-442-2409 fax / 406-431-9508 cell
www.montanachamber.net / webb@montanachamber.com
or:
Webb Brown, Executive Vice President
Montana Chamber Foundation
incl.: Governors' Cup, High School Business Challenge
406-443-7888
PO Box 1162
Helena MT 59624-1162
also:
Montana Chamber Choices health insurance www.chamberchoices.com
Montana Chamber blog www.montanamainstreetblog.typepad.com