ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization committed to making children and families a priority in federal policy decisions, released a poll reaffirming overwhelming support for healthcare for all children. In addition, the results painted a gloomy picture for politicians who do not support legislative efforts to cover the 9 million uninsured children in the United States.
Conducted by the renowned GOP pollster Frank Luntz and his firm Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, the nationwide poll indicated that an extraordinary 90% of Americans believe that every child in America has a right to basic healthcare, with 76% of Americans “strongly” supporting the notion. Further, 83% of Americans support renewing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by September when the legislation will expire. By a 77-16% margin the American public supports legislation specifically aimed at reducing the number of uninsured children in America.
“First Focus commissioned this poll because our nation’s lawmakers need to be reminded of the overwhelming support for health overage of ALL children,” said Bruce Lesley President of First Focus. “ With nine out of ten Americans supporting the notion, as well as 83% believing that the Children’s Health Insurance Program should be renewed, it is incumbent on our elected officials to continue this program, and it is imperative that they stand up to the veto threats waged by this Administration. Our survey results indicate their jobs may depend on it.”
The survey indicated that by a margin of 66- 17%, Americans are less likely to vote for their Senator or Congressman in the next election if they did not support legislation aimed specifically at reducing the number of uninsured children in America. The intensity of opposition to politicians that fail to help uninsured children indicate that by an almost a 6-to-1 margin people are “much less likely” to support that candidate than “much more likely.”
Moreover, an overwhelming 70% of respondents feel it is important that those running for president in 2008 have a well-developed plan for children’s issues. Based on their knowledge of the candidates to date, only 29% are satisfied with their positions on those issues.
“It’s clear that children will be front and center in 2008,” said renowned pollster Frank Luntz, CEO of Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, which conducted the survey. “Woe is the politician who ignores the next generation.”
The nationwide poll surveyed 800 individuals “very likely” to vote in 2008. The survey was conducted July 9-12, 2007.