Poll finds government, religion still mix
Religion continues to be a major issue when it comes to political decisions, and a new poll from Saint Leo University suggests that the divide won’t be closing any time soon.
More than 1,000 people were asked two questions about recent religious arguments made at the government level: prayer before meetings, and whether private companies should be forced to provide contraceptive coverage to women.
For prayers at meetings, Saint Leo asked the question based on a court decision that allowed government bodies to open meetings with a prayer. More than 64 percent of those surveyed agreed with the decision — including 58 percent of independent voters — while 27 percent said no.
More than 53 percent of Democrats agreed with allowing prayer compared to 86 percent of Republicans, according to the poll. However, among those who didn’t want prayer at meetings, only 7 percent of Republicans agreed.
The results of a second poll related to the Hobby Lobby U.S. Supreme Court case was much closer, with 47 percent saying employers should not be required to pay for contraception that induces abortion as part of its health insurance plan, while 38 percent said yes.
Some 70 percent of Republicans agreed with the Supreme Court on this issue, joining 31 percent of Democrats. Another 15 percent said they were not sure how they felt, representing less than 20 percent of surveyed independents, Democrats and Republicans.
The Saint Leo University Polling Institute conducted the national poll of 1,016 people, including 802 likely voters, between May 28 and June 4. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.
Coalition forms to reform municipal pensions
A new group, Taxpayers for Sustainable Pensions, has formed from Florida’s business advocates and policy groups interested in achieving municipal pension reform.
The groups were inspired to create the coalition after lawmakers failed to pass a municipal pension reform bill earlier this year. Florida’s municipal pension plans have amassed more than $10 bullion in debt due to excessive benefit levels, the group said in a release, and one-third of all municipal pension plans are less than 70 percent funded.
Coalition members include Americans for Prosperity-Florida, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation, the Florida League of Cities, Florida TaxWatch, the National Federation of Independent Business and R Street Institute.
“Too many Florida cities are facing a bill they cannot pay without reducing public services or increasing taxes,” said Robert Weissert, chief research officer for Florida TaxWatch, in a release. “Our hardworking taxpayers and local government workers deserve a sustainable pension system that cities and their residents can afford. As government pensions become more generous, even surpassing pensions given to military retirees, they have plunged Florida’s municipalities into nearly $11 billion in debt that future taxpayers will be forced to pay.”
Bilirakis to host office hours
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will host office hours Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Congressman’s Wesley Chapel office, 5901 Argerian Drive.
The office hours are part of his ongoing effort to solicit feedback from his constituents, according to a release.
Appointments, which are scheduled on a first-come basis, can be made by calling (727) 232-2921.
Poll workers needed for November elections
Energetic? Service-oriented? Then the Pasco County supervisor of elections may be looking for you.
Poll workers are needed for the general election Nov. 4. Positions are paid, but potential candidates will need to be able to stand, bend, stoop, lift approximately 30 pounds, and have normal vision and manual and physical dexterity.
Applicants also need to write and read English, have an email address, and be able to work the entire day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All positions receive mandatory paid training the month preceding the election.
For information, call (800) 851-8754, or visit PascoVotes.com.
Mobile hours for Ross
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, will host mobile office hours Sept. 9 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.
Other dates in Lutz include Oct. 14 and Dec. 9.
For more information, call (863) 644-8215, or (813) 752-4790.
Free rides to the polls
Pasco County Public Transportation will do its part to help get out the vote by offering free rides to the polls on election days for the upcoming cycle.
The deal was worked out between PCPT and county elections supervisor Brian Corley, and was approved by the Pasco County Commission last week.
On election day Nov. 4, voters who present their voter information card will ride free to their local polling location. The goal is to encourage and promote participation in the election process, while also introducing public transportation as a viable option for travel throughout the county, said PCPT director Michael Carroll.
In return, Corley’s office will use available media advertising and respective websites to inform potential riders and voters how to access and navigate the transit system.
