Indianapolis,IN - as Indiana residents look ahead to the new year,a new survey reveals their top priorities for policymakers: school safety,public safety,and healthcare. The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted annually by Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, offers a snapshot of public opinion on key issues facing the state.
The survey, which polled 615 Indiana adults on November 6-7, found that these concerns transcend political affiliations. “The 2024 Hoosier Survey provides an essential look at the issues that matter most to Indiana residents,” said Dr.Kevin Smith,interim director of the Bowen Center and associate dean of Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities. “As we enter the new year, it’s clear that Hoosiers want a focus on school safety, public safety, and healthcare — critical priorities that cross political lines. This survey serves as a valuable tool for guiding policymakers by reflecting the voices and concerns of everyday Indiana citizens.”
Nearly 70% of respondents identified school safety as a “very important” priority, reflecting a widespread concern for the well-being of students and educators. ”School safety is a concern that resonates universally,” Smith noted. “These findings indicate that Hoosiers want to ensure their communities and schools are secure, nonetheless of political differences.”
Public safety also ranked high, with strong support across demographics. The current state budget allocates $24.6 million annually to the Indiana Secured School Safety fund, a significant increase from previous years. This funding supports measures such as resource officers, electronic security equipment, and firearms training for school personnel.
Healthcare access emerged as another leading concern, with 68% of Hoosiers deeming it “very important.” Affordability, accessibility, and transparency were key themes. Only 20% of respondents reported that healthcare providers consistently explain costs associated with appointments or procedures, and just one in three said providers clearly explain insurance coverage. “Ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare is consistently referenced as a priority,highlighting the challenges many Indiana residents face,” Smith observed. “This data underscores the need for bipartisan efforts to address healthcare concerns effectively.”
Incoming Governor Mike Braun has outlined aspiring plans to tackle healthcare access and costs. His agenda emphasizes rural health initiatives, including incentives to attract healthcare facilities to underserved areas and improved telehealth coverage. It also prioritizes continued coverage for pre-existing conditions, proposes a revolving loan fund to support new primary care facilities, and advocates for mental health treatment reforms aimed at reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.
The survey also revealed strong support for marijuana legalization, with 62% favoring full legalization (both recreational and medicinal) and an additional 25% backing medicinal-only legalization. Support varied by education level, with 70% of those without a college degree favoring full legalization compared to 51% of those with a four-year degree or higher.While Republicans have historically opposed legalization, many are now shifting towards at least medical marijuana, recognizing Indiana’s status as an outlier in the Midwest. A new GOP-backed group, Safe and Regulated Indiana, has also emerged to advocate for change.
A new poll reveals a complex tapestry of opinions among Indiana residents on key social and political issues, highlighting both areas of consensus and deep divisions.
The survey, conducted by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, delves into Hoosiers’ views on marijuana legalization, abortion, gun policy, and immigration, offering a snapshot of the state’s evolving social landscape.
Marijuana Legalization Gains Momentum
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Support for legalizing marijuana is on the rise in indiana, mirroring national trends. “The growing support for marijuana legalization reflects national trends,” said Smith.
Abortion: A Spectrum of Views
Over 80% of hoosiers believe abortion should remain legal in cases involving threats to the mother’s life, rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomalies – exceptions currently allowed under Indiana’s abortion ban. However, opinions diverge when it comes to the timing of abortions. Two-thirds support legal abortions in the first trimester,but a majority oppose them in later stages of pregnancy.
“The nuances in abortion views reflect Hoosiers’ thoughtful struggle to apply their personal values to public policy concerns,” Smith explained. “hoosiers generally support exceptions, but there is growing consensus for restrictions as pregnancies progress.”
Gun Policy: Balancing Safety and Rights
The survey reveals a nuanced viewpoint on gun policy in Indiana. While 58% oppose carrying concealed firearms without a permit and 59% support banning assault weapons, 45% favor allowing teachers to carry guns in schools, compared to 36% who oppose it.
“Public opinion on guns reflects both safety concerns and respect for Second Amendment rights,” Smith said. “Striking a balance here is a critical consideration for policymakers.”
This complex landscape is further elaborate by the fact that Indiana lawmakers eliminated the license to carry handguns in 2022, although certain restrictions still apply.
Immigration: A Divisive Issue
Immigration remains a contentious topic in Indiana.While 70% view undocumented immigration as a serious problem,opinions on legal immigration are sharply divided: half favor maintaining or increasing current levels,while the other half advocate for reducing or halting it altogether. These views often align with political affiliations.
“Immigration remains a divisive issue, but the survey highlights areas of potential consensus, especially regarding undocumented immigration,” Smith noted.
The issue has been in the spotlight recently, with Indiana Attorney general Todd Rokita actively investigating alleged labor trafficking and an influx of legal migrants to logansport making national headlines.
## expert Interview: Indiana Residents Prioritize School Safety, Healthcare in 2024 Hoosier Survey
**World-Today-News.com** sits down with Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of Ball State University’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs, to discuss the findings of the newly released 2024 Hoosier Survey.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us. the 2024 Hoosier Survey reveals some compelling insights into the concerns of Indiana residents. What are the top priorities emerging from the data?
**Dr. Smith:** It’s clear that Hoosiers want policymakers to focus on three key areas: school safety, public safety, and healthcare. Nearly 70% of respondents identified school safety as “very crucial,” reflecting the widespread desire to ensure the well-being of our students and educators. Public safety also ranked high, with strong support across demographics for measures like increased police presence and community policing initiatives. healthcare access emerged as another leading concern, with 68% of Hoosiers expressing its importance.Affordability, accessibility, and clarity were recurring themes within this category.
**World-Today-News:** These priorities seem to transcend political affiliations. Is that accurate?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. The survey demonstrates a remarkable consensus across party lines.These issues are not confined to any particular political ideology; they speak to the fundamental needs and concerns of all Hoosiers. This shared ground provides a valuable opportunity for bipartisan collaboration aimed at finding common ground solutions.
**World-Today-news:** The survey highlights healthcare as a especially pressing issue. What specific concerns are Hoosiers raising about the healthcare system?
**Dr. Smith:** affordability is a major concern. Many Hoosiers expressed difficulties affording necessary medical care and medications. Access to care, particularly in rural areas, is also an issue. Furthermore, there’s a desire for greater transparency in healthcare costs. Many respondents feel they lack clarity about the overall cost of care, both before and after treatment.
**World-Today-News:** How do you see the incoming Governor Braun’s plans addressing these concerns?
**Dr. smith:** Governor Braun’s agenda includes several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability.
His focus on rural health initiatives, including attracting new healthcare facilities and expanding telehealth coverage, aligns with the survey’s findings. His commitment to continuing coverage for pre-existing conditions and his proposed revolving loan fund for new primary care facilities also address key concerns raised by Hoosiers. Of course, the effectiveness of these policies will depend on implementation and legislative support.
**World-Today-News:** The survey also touches on broader social issues like marijuana legalization. Can you tell us more about the findings on this topic?
**Dr. Smith:**
The survey revealed strong support for marijuana legalization, with a majority favouring full legalization and a significant portion supporting medicinal use only. This is a trend seen across the nation, and Indiana appears to be catching up with its neighbours. It will be engaging to see how this issue develops in the coming legislative session, particularly given the emergence of new GOP-backed advocates for change.
**world-Today-News:** Thank you, Dr.Smith, for shedding light on these important issues facing Indiana residents. We appreciate your insights.
