Beacon Hill Institute Survey 2005: Half of all Respondents Expect Massachusetts Economy to Improve in 2005
Respondents to the Beacon Hill Institute's 2005 State of the Household Survey are more optimistic about the national economy than about the state economy and more optimistic about the state economy than about their personal finances. While 64% believe that the national economy will improve this year, only 50% are similarly hopeful about the Massachusetts economy. Fifty percent (50%) see their household finances as neither improving nor worsening with only 34% seeing improvement. Only 21% believe that their own economic standing and that of the state is improving as they enter the new year -- a decrease of 13 percentage points from last year.The survey, sponsored by BHI, has been conducted each January since 1998.More than 425 individuals responded to this year's mail-in survey, which has a margin of error of +/- 5 percentage points.The BHI survey represents a sample of fiscal conservatives in Massachusetts who support free-market policies and the candidates who espouse them. This sample overwhelmingly believes that Governor Mitt Romney (82%) is performing well in his job ? a seven point increase from last year.Respondents to the survey also:- oppose tax increases (84% want the personal income tax rate cut to 5%);- want to abolish the state excise tax on cars (62% would favor this measure);- would accept a plan that allows landlords to charge tenants for water use (75%);- support reforming Social Security by establishing private savings accounts (69%); 54% favor reforming Social Security by means other than private accounts.
Only 4% believe that Social Security should be left alone;- oppose any proposal that would cap the number of charter schools (59%); and,- support a proposal to create an independent commission to redraw legislative and congressional districts (70%).However, the survey identified several splits among this sample that highlight differences of opinion on current issues:- Forty-four percent (44%) favor a proposal that would require employers to provide healthinsurance or pay into a funding pool while 43% opposed. Thirteen percent (13%) were undecided. Last year 51% opposed any law mandating universal health care in the Bay State (down from 56% in 2003).- Thirty-six percent (36%) favor limitations on the ability of the Commonwealth to contractwith firms that outsource jobs overseas, while 50% oppose such measures with 14% undecided.- Fifty percent (50%) oppose the establishment of casino gambling, while 38% favor it. Twelve percent (12%) were undecided.Respondents went against mainstream free market thinking on two key issues. Fifty-two percent (52%) favor raising tobacco taxes to expand health care coverage.
Sixty-two percent (62%) believe that states, cities and towns should be free to purchase drugs from Canada, a ten-point drop from last year. Only 24% agree with the state's biotech industry that the public sector should not be allowed to buy drugs north of the border.Respondents sent mixed signals on how best to use tax policy to help businesses thrive in the Commonwealth. An equal amount opposed targeted tax cuts for the biotech industry (35%) as supported them (35%). However, 30% expressed no opinion on the question; the largest undecided bloc of any policy question in the survey.Tax incentives for manufacturing continue to tell another story. Seventy-six percent (76%) believe the state should be actively involved in preserving manufacturing jobs with tax incentives if necessary.
Only 17% opposed the idea. Only 32% support tax breaks for both biotech and manufacturing.Fifty-one percent (51%) would favor a requirement that Medicaid recipients absorb a larger portion of their health care costs while 30% did not favor the requirement. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of respondents overwhelming support measure to cap medical malpractice jury awards, one of the largest majorities received for any of the policy questions.As with previous findings, respondents continued to demonstrate support for local government even though they favor abolishing a source of revenue to localities, the excise tax. Sixty-six percent (66%) opposed cutting local aid to cities and towns and only 17% favored cutting local aid with 17% holding no opinion. Fifty-three percent (53%) of respondents who expressed confidence in Governor Romney's performance also opposed cutting state aid to local cities and towns.Those who bemoan the decline of printed newspapers as a source of information may take some solace in the findings on the BHI survey.
Picking up the newspaper appears to be the preferred method of obtaining information among Massachusetts fiscal conservatives. Sixty-five (65%)disagreed when asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: "I get more of my news from the Internet than from newspapers." Only 23% agreed with the statement..
Consumers Want Guidance In Choosing Wine at Restaurants
A recent study of 869 wine drinkers conducted by Russell Research, a national research firm, indicates that 66% of wine drinkers agree with the statement "I wish more restaurants provided guidance in choosing a wine to go with my meal".
Additionally, 50% of respondents agreed they would drink wine more often if restaurants provided recommendations, and 44% often feel intimidated by wine lists at restaurants."The findings of this study indicate," summarizes Russell Research partner John De Biasio, "that for many restaurants, a clear opportunity exists to attract new customers and stimulate wine sales."
This is reinforced by the fact that 49% of wine drinkers said they prefer restaurants with large selections of wine, and 64% classified themselves as a "Novice" when it comes to his or her knowledge of wine. MethodologyThe study was conducted online from July 11 ? 14, 2004, among 869 online wine drinkers, ages 21 or older, across the United States. Figures for gender...
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Chromatography a Superiority Formula
"All flows, all changes".Heraclides"It's not difficult to know, it is difficult to get familiar".Skovoroda
The theory of gas chromatography, presented by the equation of Van Deemter,
(1)shows that for each chromatographic separation there exists an optimal flow rate above and below which the column efficiency is reduced. In practice, the linear speed of the sample zone moved by the carrier gas, is changed continuously and increases as it approaches the outlet, which results in a non-effective use of a part of the column. In this case equation (1) characterizes the optimal separation process only in that section of the chromatographic column through which the sample passes at an optional speed.In equation (1) are constant values and is the speed of the moving zone of the sample which changes continuously in time. Thus equation (1) gets the following form: (2)where is the speed of the sample at a distance from the beginning of the column and changes - increases - toward...
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Learn How To Network for HIDDEN Jobs
** People Who Can Network Get The HIDDEN Jobs **This http://www.WorkTree.com career article will explainto you the benefits of networking. I will also provide some tips andsources that you can use immediately to start building your personalnetwork.I'll quickly cover the following:A) Why Network With People?B) Five Networking Tips To Get Started.C) Quick Networking Hints.D) Sources To Start Your Network.****** FACT ******Employers love referrals and first look to tap their ownworkers for people they know that can fill open positions. Itscheaper and provides for more quality employees.By networking, you increase your chances of being personally referred and thus have your foot in the door.===========================================WHY NETWORK WITH PEOPLE?===========================================It's true, some of the best jobs are never advertised. Many are filled by successful job seekers who networked with the right people and got the job before...
Learn How To Network for HIDDEN Jobs
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Grow Your Income with GtsExpress.com New Personal Care Products Affiliate Program
(ContentDesk) August 9, 2005 -- A new and completely free global affiliate program that promotes quality personal care products at a price that will not ruin your budget is now available through www.Gtsexpress.com."Wow, quality products at a price anyone can afford. I get great personal care and SPA products at the best prices in and around town," states an anonymous customer fromFlorida. "I can afford these products every month without ruining my budget. Plus, I can market these great products and earn commissions as an affiliate. Thanks GTSExpress.com for creating such a simple affiliate program."Enjoy a day at the SPA while at home and earn commissions showing our New Personal Care Products to everyone you know as an Affiliate in our free Affiliate Program.
Our quality personal care products and SPA-IN-A-BASKET kits may be just the products and opportunity you need to increase your income without having to...
Grow Your Income with GtsExpress.com New Personal Care Products Affiliate Program
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8 Effective Ezine Publishing Tips To Put You Ahead Of The Game
1. Swap sponsor, feature, or solo ads with other ezine publishers.Your swaps will create a win-win situation as both you and the other publisher will successfully get profitable promotion at no cost. Swap your ads for at least three issues in a row or three solo ads for three solo ads to get the greatest results from these swaps.2. Provide your visitors with a bonus for subscribing to your ezine such as access to your membership site, ebooks, a complimentary ad, or something else that your visitors would find to be valuable.Increase the value your visitors place on your bonuses by telling them how much they would be worth if they were to pay for them or by making them available for only a limited amount of time.3. Write articles.
Your articles will help you to establish yourself as an expert in your field and get more of your subscribers to visit your site. Your articles can also be used as a valuable promotional tool that increases your circulation. Add a resource box that promotes...
8 Effective Ezine Publishing Tips To Put You Ahead Of The Game
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A Killer Secret To Get Your Cover Letter Read
You're still reading?so I know my title grabbed your attention.Why? Because it 'packed a punch.' You have three seconds to nab your reader in any written communication. Do it with a smashing title or headline! This secret technique, when used properly, practically guarantees that he or she will stay with you till the last line of your cover letter, article, or report.How does this little secret apply to a resume cover letter? I'm glad you asked! Put it at the top of your next job-search cover letter and you'll attract the employer's undivided attention. Without this powerful little gem, however, you risk being a victim of the 'scan and trash' syndrome. Why do I use the phrase, "Killer Secret?" To make my point. It's an attention-grabber! I got your attention and curiosity.
You can lasso the same things from your reader.When it comes to cover letters, however, the use of a headline is hardly a theory. It's a FACT that everyone is attracted to books and articles and letters that...
A Killer Secret To Get Your Cover Letter Read
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Runtime Revolution Scripting Conferences
Runtime Revolution (www.runrev.com) announces the launch of fifteen free online conferences for Revolution Dreamcard, Studio and Enterprise starting on Saturday 30th April 2005. The conferences are free and open to all users of Runtime Revolution, even if they have yet to purchase a license. These exciting conferences are perfect for new users and those seeking to learn new skills or refresh their knowledge. They are also an ideal way for those exploring Revolution for the first time to find out more prior to purchasing. 
The conferences will be hosted by leading Revolution scripters including industry guru Dan Shafer, Klaus Major, Richard Gaskin, Ro Nagey, Jeanne De Voto and many others.
Learners will be joined by other users and staff from Runtime Revolution, with guest appearances from company...
Runtime Revolution Scripting Conferences
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