Topic: College of Sciences and Humanities
December 13, 2012
On Dec. 12, WISH-TV and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University unveiled new results from the 2012 WISH-TV/Ball State University Hoosier Survey. The fifth annual Hoosier Survey identifies Indiana residents' top priorities for state government action during the upcoming legislative session and garners their opinions on relevant social issues throughout the state.
Some legislators have expressed support of a move to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. A majority of Hoosiers support the change, with 53 percent supporting and 41 percent opposing decriminalizing marijuana to a civil offense. Support varies among demographics and is highest among 18- to 24-year-olds (69 percent), individuals with annual incomes above $100,000 (57 percent) and those with higher levels of educational attainment (59 percent).
Another issue Hoosiers were polled on was the topic of gay rights. Hoosiers are evenly split on the issue of allowing same sex couples to marry legally with 45 percent in favor and 45 percent opposed. When asked if they would support a proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage, only 38 percent support the ban and 54 percent oppose it. There is more support for civil unions that would give same sex couples the same rights and benefits as married couples with 55 percent supporting civil unions and 37 percent opposed.
The Hoosier Survey was conducted for WISH-TV and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs by Princeton Research Associates International (PSRAI) from Nov. 12–24. PSRAI surveyed 602 Hoosier adults by landline and cell phone, chosen randomly, yielding a margin of sampling error of +/- 4.5 percent. In addition to providing statewide results, some findings also were broken down by region. The Bowen Center for Public Affairs partnered with Ball State's Global Health Institute again this year to look at opinions about recent health care legislation and the delivery of health care services in Indiana.
The entirety of the 2012 Hoosier Survey results will be reported by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at the 21st Bingham Greenebaum Doll Legislative Conference on Dec. 13 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. For more information about the Hoosier Survey or the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, visit www.bsu.edu/bowencenter or call 765-285-8982.
About WISH-TV
Since 1954, WISH-TV has continued to set the standard for television excellence in central Indiana. WISH-TV has been honored as Television Station of the Year by the Indiana Broadcasters Association and Outstanding News Operation, Best Newscast and Best Website by the Indiana Associated Press Broadcast Association. 24-Hour News 8 provides around the clock news, weather and information through its television newscasts and WISHTV.com digital platforms. WISH-TV, a CBS affiliate, is a LIN Media station serving more than 1.5 million households (estimate according to Indianapolis Nielsen Station Index). LIN Media (TVL) is a local multimedia company that operates or services 43 television stations and seven digital channels in 23 U.S. markets, along with a diverse portfolio of websites, apps and mobile products that make it more convenient to access its unique and relevant content on multiple screens.
About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs
Founded in 2007, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University empowers people who want to participate in their communities. The Bowen Center for Public Affairs offers expert and practical viewpoints on the operation of local and state governments.