State Fair survey shows strong support for higher minimum wage

An unscientific survey taken during the Minnesota State Fair found strong support for a minimum wage increase, medical marijuana and background checks at gun shows.

The nonpartisan public information office for the Minnesota House surveyed more than 7,000 fairgoers on a dozen policy issues, including some that are expected to get attention during the 2014 Legislative session. Results showed 66 percent of participants agree with raising the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour, which matches the increase favored by House Democrats. On medical marijuana, 75 percent said it should be legal for doctors to prescribe. But the most lopsided result was the 82 percent who support background checks for firearms purchases from private sellers at gun shows, compared to the 15 percent opposed.

There was also support for a gas tax increase, high school graduation tests and early voting.

Here are the survey results:

1. The state's minimum wage is currently $6.15 per hour. Should it be raised to $8.50 per hour for small employers (those with annual gross sales of less than $500,000) and $9.50 per hour for large employers?

Yes..........................................65.5%....................(4,602)

No...........................................28.3%....................(1,985)

Undecided/No Opinion............6.2%.......................(435)

2. Should it be legal for doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to seriously ill people if they believe the drug will help treat the patient's condition and reduce their suffering?

Yes..........................................74.8%....................(5,244)

No...........................................18.6%....................(1,308)

Undecided/No Opinion............6.6%.......................(462)

3. If someone wants to purchase a firearm from a private seller at a gun show, should a background check be required of the buyer before the purchase can be completed?

Yes..........................................82.4%....................(5,763)

No...........................................14.7%....................(1,031)

Undecided/No Opinion............2.8%.......................(197)

4. State legislators currently earn $31,140 annually, and they are eligible for additional per diem and other expenses. Should an independent, citizens-only council be created to set salaries for legislators? This question will be on the November 2016 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment.

Yes..........................................59.8%....................(4,159)

No...........................................22.2%....................(1,547)

Undecided/No Opinion..........17.9%....................(1,248)

5. Should the state's gas tax be increased by 5 cents a gallon to help fund the backlog of highway and bridge needs around the state?

Yes..........................................53.4%....................(3,736)

No...........................................39.7%....................(2,779)

Undecided/No Opinion............6.9%.......................(485)

6. In order to get their high school diploma, should students be required to achieve a minimum score on tests in reading, writing and math?

Yes..........................................75.6%....................(5,244)

No...........................................16.1%....................(1,120)

Undecided/No Opinion............8.3%.......................(574)

7. Should Minnesotans have the option to vote in person at a specified polling place up to two weeks before the general election?

Yes..........................................62.1%....................(4,304)

No...........................................30.2%....................(2,094)

Undecided/No Opinion............7.7%.......................(537)

8. In hopes of keeping Asian carp out of Minnesota waters, should electric fish barriers be created in the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers?

Yes..........................................57.7%....................(3,989)

No...........................................14.4%.......................(994)

Undecided/No Opinion..........28.0%....................(1,936)

9. Should local governments be permitted to use intersection cameras to prosecute drivers who run red lights?

Yes..........................................40.8%....................(2,819)

No...........................................51.7%....................(3,570)

Undecided/No Opinion............7.4%.......................(513)

10. There are no uniform state laws regulating dog and cat breeding. Do regulations need to be created that would include state licensing of breeders, inspection procedures and standards of care?

Yes..........................................64.0%....................(4,430)

No...........................................23.7%....................(1,638)

Undecided/No Opinion..........12.4%.......................(857)

11. Should a promoter be required to state how many tickets for a concert will be made available to the general public after tickets are held back for promotional purposes, such as fan club pre-sales?

Yes..........................................61.0%....................(4,223)

No...........................................19.8%....................(1,369)

Undecided/No Opinion..........19.2%....................(1,328)

12. The state's fishing opener traditionally falls on the same weekend as Mother's Day. Should the fishing opener be moved up one week?

Yes..........................................46.6%....................(3,213)

No...........................................27.2%....................(1,875)

Undecided/No Opinion..........26.2%....................(1,810)

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