Poll Finds Two Prominent Suburban Legislators at Odds With Their Constituents Who Favor Allowing Kids to Escape Violent, Failing Schools

PHILADELPHIA, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If Pennsylvania legislators Daylin Leach and Mike Gerber keep their promise to oppose Senate Bill 1 they'll be voting against the wishes of their constituents, according to a recent poll.  At issue is an "opportunity scholarship" program that would provide children in failing, often violent schools, with vouchers to attend safer schools and get a quality education.

Both Leach and Gerber have accepted large campaign contributions from teachers union leaders in the state, who are against Senate Bill 1: The Opportunity Scholarship and Education Improvement Tax Credit Act, also called school choice legislation.

When asked whether they were in favor of such a program if they knew it wouldn't affect their own children's education or increase property taxes, 67% of those polled in State Senator Leach's district responded "yes" and 21% "no," with 12% undecided. When asked if they wanted Leach to support the program, 60% responded "yes" and 19% "no" with the remainder undecided.

In State Representative Gerber's district, the poll found that 56% supported the program, 21% did not, and 23% were undecided.  58% wanted Gerber to vote in favor, while 24% did not and 18% were undecided.

These results are consistent with recent findings that found people across Pennsylvania more likely to vote for a legislator who supports Senate Bill 1 by a 57% to 33% margin.

The survey was conducted April 21st and 22nd by FLS Connect on behalf of Students First.

SOURCE Students First

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