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Haga clic aquí para ver esta página en español. Opinion Dynamics CorporationNational Survey On Puerto Rico
Copyright © 2001. All Rights Reserved. A recently released survey completed by Opinion Dynamics Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts, concerning the attitudes of US voters toward some of the issues concerning Puerto Rico showed that half (50%) of the general US public admitted to having little or no familiarity with Puerto Rico. The percentage was only slightly less (44%) among Hispanics polled. Though the participants in the survey were not clear about the current political status of Puerto Rico nor the citizenship of Puerto Ricans, a large majority, 82% (69% of Hispanics), felt it was time for them to decide between statehood and independence and 70% (72% of Hispanics) favored admitting Puerto Rico to the Union as a State, if that was what the people of Puerto Rico chose. Seventy-nine percent of all respondents said that since Puerto Ricans receive federal aid, they should pay federal income taxes and 74% (61% of Hispanics) were opposed to giving tax benefits to US companies operating in Puerto Rico in addition to the Federal benefits already received by Puerto Rico. The survey was conducted for a private business group in June, 2001, and is based on a representative nationwide sample of 900 registered voters. In addition, 200 Mainland Hispanic voters were polled to provide a separate reading of what this subgroup thinks about Puerto Rico. The Hispanic sample was prepared using a sampling method which assured that those interviewed represented a mixture of people living in heavily Hispanic areas and those integrated into the general population. Following are some of the survey questions and answers. 1. How familiar are you with the island of Puerto Rico:
2. Have you ever visited Puerto Rico?
3. Which of the following do you think best describes the relationship the US and Puerto Rico:
4. As far as you know, are Puerto Ricans US citizens or not?
Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship by Congress over 80 years ago. They have their own island government, but important decisions are made in Washington. They cannot vote for President or Congress, but they also pay no Federal income taxes. Most other federal programs are the same or very similar to those in the 50 states. The US Constitution is enforced by US Courts in Puerto Rico. 5. If a majority of the people of Puerto Rico asked to be admitted to the Union as a state, would favor or oppose allowing them to become the 51st state?
6. On another topic, the Puerto Rican government has asked Congress to implement a plan whereby US corporations operating in Puerto Rico would not have to pay Federal Income taxes. They say this would encourage economic development and job growth on the island. Opponents say this program encourages tax evasion not economic growth. Would you favor or oppose Congress granting special tax benefits to companies operating in Puerto Rico?
I’m going to read you some statements that have been made and I’d like you to tell me whether you agree or disagree with each one. 8. Since Puerto Ricans get federal aid, they should pay federal income taxes.
9. Puerto Ricans can’t have it both ways; they can’t have all the benefits of being American citizens without any of the responsibilities. It time for them to decide between statehood and independence.
10. Making Puerto Rico a state would entitle Puerto Rican citizens to vote and require them to pay Federal Income taxes. It would add two U.S. Senators and five U.S. Representatives to the Congress as well as a million new American voters. Hearing thee facts, do you think it would be a good or bad idea for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state of the U.S.?
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