May Sun, 1992

IMAGE OF THE NEW JERSEY SHORE IMPROVES

Fully eighty-two percent of state residents say that the shore is one of New Jersey's best features, representing a 6 point increase since 1989. And while many New Jerseyans continue to express concern about the condition of the Jersey shore, there are strong indications that the shore's image is improving. For example, less than half of residents now say that the shore has been going downhill compared to three years ago when three-quarters felt that way. Also, 58 percent now say that ocean pollution is a very serious problem at the shore, which is a 15 point drop since 1989.

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May Sun, 1992

NEW JERSEYANS’ VIEWPOINT ON THE SALES TAX REPEAL

The legislation to roll back the state sales tax from 7 to 6 percent that was passed by the New Jersey State Legislature is waiting for Governor Jim Florio's approval or veto. There is not a clear consensus on the decision New Jerseyans would like the Governor to take — only slightly more state residents want the Governor to approve rather than veto the rollback. Overall, about 6-in-10 New Jerseyans disapprove of the tax repeal if it results in a reduction of services. However, a majority agree that it is possible to cut 600 million dollars from the state budget without reducing services.

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May Sun, 1992

NEW JERSEYANS SUPPORT ABORTION NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; OPPOSE LAWS TO RESTRICT ABORTIONS

The complexity of the abortion issue is underscored by the range of different viewpoints expressed by New Jerseyans. While 2-in-3 residents oppose any new laws in New Jersey to restrict a woman's right to have an abortion, 8-in-10 support parental notification and 7-in-10 favor spousal notification. However, when it comes to issues of personal choice, 8-in-10 feel that the decision to have an abortion is a private matter that should be left up to the women to decide. In addition, 46 percent say "all women should have the right to an abortion in all circumstances," and 46 percent feel abortions should be allowed in "certain circumstances." By a margin of 47 to 38 percent, a plurality of state residents do not think abortion is murder.

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