Hoosiers Prioritize School Safety, Healthcare, and Public Safety in 2024
Survey Reveals Bipartisan Consensus on Key Issues Facing Indiana
A new survey from Ball State University sheds light on the top policy priorities for Hoosiers heading into the new year, revealing a focus on school safety, public safety, and healthcare. The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, underscored the importance of these issues across diverse demographics and political affiliations.
“As we enter 2024, it’s clear that Hoosiers prioritize community safety and accessibility to quality healthcare,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center. “This survey provides invaluable data for policymakers as they consider legislation and funding to address these vital concerns.”
Nearly 70% of respondents identified school safety as a “very important” priority, highlighting a universal concern for safeguarding educational environments.
“These findings echo across political lines, demonstrating the universal concern for the safety and security of our schools,” Smith elaborated. “Hoosiers want to ensure their communities and schools are secure institutions.”
Public safety also ranked highly, with most respondents identifying it as a top concern. The current state budget allocates $24.6 million annually to the Indiana Secured School Safety Fund, a significant increase over recent years. The funding supports measures like security personnel, electronic equipment, and firearm training.
Healthcare stands out as another pressing concern, with 68% of respondents citing its importance. Affordability, accessibility, and specifically, transparency ranked as key concerns within this issue.
Only 20% of respondents reported frequently receiving clear explanations regarding the cost of medical appointments and procedures. Conversely, just one in three respondents reported that their healthcare providers consistently explained whether their intended procedures or appointments were covered by insurance.
“Ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare is a relatable priority for Indiana residents,” Smith observed. “The lack of transparency surrounding costs and coverage adds to the challenges many face. These findings underscore the need for bipartisan efforts to address healthcare concerns deeply impacting Hoosiers.”
Incoming Governor Mike Braun has outlined plans to tackle healthcare access and cost. His agenda emphasizes rural healthcare, proposing incentives to draw healthcare facilities to rural Indiana, including improving access to maternity care and expanding telehealth coverage. Braun’s plans also emphasize continuous coverage for existing medical conditions, initiate new funding for primary care facilities, and implement psychiatric treatment reforms that aim to reduce burdens on the criminal justice system.
Marijuana Legalization Garners Strong Support
Support for marijuana legalization remains strong, with 62% favoring full legalization—encompassing both recreational and medicinal use. An additional 25% support legalization for medicinal purposes only.
Support aligns with individual education levels, with 70% of those without a four-year college degree favoring full legalization, compared to 51% of those with a college degree or higher.
While Republican lawmakers have traditionally opposed legalization, momentum is shifting, with many now advocating for at least medical marijuana legalization. Indiana finds itself an island of prohibition amidst increasing legalization nationwide. A new GOP-backed group, Safe and Regulated Indiana, advocates for change, reflecting the evolving public attitudes on this issue.
Divergent Views Emerge on Abortion and Gun Policy
More than 80% of Hoosiers believe abortion should remain legal in cases involving threats to the mother’s health, rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomalies. These are the exceptions currently allowed under Indiana’s new abortion law.
However, opinions divide along trimester lines. Two-thirds support
What specific policy proposals related to school safety could be informed by the survey results?
## Hoosiers Speak Out: School Safety, Health Care, and Public Safety Top 2024 Priorities
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us.
**Smith:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Today we’re talking about the 2024 Hoosier Survey, where Ball State researchers took the pulse of Hoosiers on key issues facing the state. The results paint a clear picture, don’t they?
**Smith:** Absolutely. This year’s survey revealed a strong sense of shared priorities among Hoosiers, regardless of their political affiliations. Three issues clearly emerged as top concerns: school safety, public safety, and healthcare.
**Host:** Let’s start with school safety. Nearly 70% of respondents rated it as “very important”. What are some of the takeaways from the survey on this issue?
**Smith:**
It’s clear Hoosiers want to feel confident that their children are safe when they go to school. [[1](https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/hoosier-survey-shows-support-for-key-policy-areas-across-partisan-divide)]This concern transcends party lines. People want to see secure learning environments and investments in measures that promote safety.
**Host:** We’ve seen increased funding for school safety in recent years, particularly for things like security personnel and equipment. Do the survey results suggest this is the right direction?
**Smith:**
It’s too early to say definitively. While the increased funding is a positive step, the survey highlights a deep-seated commitment to school safety. Continued open dialog about best practices, appropriate measures, and community involvement will be crucial moving forward.
**Host:**
Public safety was another area where Hoosiers indicated strong concern. Can you elaborate on what the survey revealed about this issue?
**Smith:**
Similar to school safety, Hoosiers want to feel safe in their communities.
The survey didn’t delve deeply into specific policies or concerns, but the results generally point to the need for ongoing efforts to address crime and promote a sense of security throughout the state.
**Host:** healthcare emerged as a major concern for Hoosiers. What specific healthcare issues are resonating most with the public?
**Smith:**
Affordability and transparency were top of mind for many respondents. People are worried about the rising cost of healthcare and often feel confused about what their insurance covers. Our survey found that many Hoosiers don’t receive clear explanations about the costs of medical procedures or whether their insurance will cover them. [[1](https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/hoosier-survey-shows-support-for-key-policy-areas-across-partisan-divide)]
**Host:** Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing these insights. It appears the 2024 Hoosier Survey provides valuable information for policymakers as they tackle these pressing issues facing Indiana.
**Smith:**
It’s certainly our hope that the findings will inform constructive conversations and contribute to meaningful policy solutions.
