Survey: Ohioans feel strongly about education, worker protections

Farah Siddiqi

A recent bipartisan national survey shed light on where Americans, including Ohioans, stand on issues of education, labor and public services.

The survey showed opposition to cuts in public sector jobs and a split on whether to keep the U.S. Department of Education and the pollsters said the responses provided a window into voter sentiment on key policy areas.

Dan Heintz, a teacher and member of the Board of Education in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, voiced strong support for the federal agency, which many see as a protector of educational equality.

"The federal Department of Education is the federal agency that ensures that Americans, regardless of who their parents are, regardless of what state they live in, that all Americans have equal access to high-quality public education," Heintz explained.

In the survey by the polling firm Red America/Blue America Research, 57% of people said they oppose getting rid of the Department of Education, while 43% would do away with it.

Respondents also showed clear concern for preserving labor protections, with 62% opposed to reducing wages and protections for essential public sector workers. As Election Day approaches, the survey pointed to how issues hitting "closest to home" may be what drive voter turnout.

John Davis, a partner at the polling firm, noted the timing of the survey also offers insight into voter motivations.

"If you are personally impacted by changes to overtime pay, or if you're worried about your child's class size, if you care about the social services, public services that you're currently receiving, you are likely motivated to vote," Davis asserted.

The survey indicated the economy and education may play a significant role in the vote. With concerns about workforce protections and public funding at the forefront, Ohio voters appear to have strong opinions on policies affecting their daily lives.