Many Voices One Valley 2007 Many Voices One Valley 2007 Discusses what people think about living and working in Mid-Hudson Valley Details residents’ priorities for future Makes comparisons made to five years ago Making Ends Meet Impressions of affordability of Mid-Hudson region How residents experience wide range of issues which affect their family finances Health Matters Perceptions of quality of health care in region Tracks factors that influence ability of people to afford and access care

Many Voices One Valley 2007

Discusses what people think about living and working in Mid-Hudson Valley

Details residents’ priorities for future

Makes comparisons made to five years ago

Making Ends Meet

Impressions of affordability of Mid-Hudson region

How residents experience wide range of issues which affect their family finances

Health Matters

Perceptions of quality of health care in region

Tracks factors that influence ability of people to afford and access care

How the Survey Was Conducted Mid-Hudson Valley as a region and county level analysis Columbia Dutchess Greene Orange Putnam Sullivan Ulster Sample size: 4,320 The margin of error for Mid-Hudson Valley residents is ±1.5% Seven county samples were combined and weighted to reflect population distribution of entire region Random digit dial (RDD) probability design telephone survey Representative samples drawn from each county Eligibility 18 or older Resident of Mid-Hudson Valley Random household selection English or Spanish speaking

Mid-Hudson Valley as a region and county level analysis

Columbia

Dutchess

Greene

Orange

Putnam

Sullivan

Ulster

Sample size: 4,320

The margin of error for Mid-Hudson Valley residents is ±1.5%

Seven county samples were combined and weighted to reflect population distribution of entire region

Random digit dial (RDD) probability design telephone survey

Representative samples drawn from each county

Eligibility

18 or older

Resident of Mid-Hudson Valley

Random household selection

English or Spanish speaking

How to Use Survey Data Identify Trends MVOV 2007 and 2002 Program Planning Set priorities Direct resources Development Support grant proposals Shape fundraising campaigns Public Education Raise awareness Mood and Context Public priorities Economic outlook Needs of Staff Demography of region Job expectations

Identify Trends

MVOV 2007 and 2002

Program Planning

Set priorities

Direct resources

Development

Support grant proposals

Shape fundraising campaigns

Public Education

Raise awareness

Mood and Context

Public priorities

Economic outlook

Needs of Staff

Demography of region

Job expectations

Residents’ Priorities for the Mid-Hudson Valley In 2007, residents are most concerned about need for affordable health care Making health care more affordable tops list receiving a mean score of 8.0 out of maximum score of 10 Accessibility of health insurance also ranks among top five priorities for residents Mid-Hudson Valley 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Making health care more affordable 1 8.0 3 7.7 Keeping businesses in the area 2 7.9 1 7.9 Reducing taxes 3 7.9 9 7.3 Improving the quality of the public schools 4 7.8 2 7.8 Making health insurance easier to get 5 7.7 6 7.4 Creating more jobs 6 7.6 5 7.5 Providing services for senior citizens 7 7.6 4 7.5 Making your community safer 8 7.5 10 7.2 Protecting open space 9 7.4 8 7.3 Providing more after-school activities 10 7.4 7 7.3 Improving relations between different racial and ethnic groups 11 7.2 11 7.2 Increasing the amount of affordable housing 12 7.1 13 6.5 Providing more affordable, quality child care 13 6.9 12 6.8 Supporting the arts and providing more cultural events 14 6.8 14 6.5 Improving the quality of the water 15 6.6 15 6.4 Increasing the number of public areas 16 6.4 16 6.2 Increasing or improving public transportation 17 6.4 17 6.1 Slowing growth and development 18 6.4 18 6.1 Reducing homelessness 19 6.2 19 6.0

In 2007, residents are most concerned about need for affordable health care

Making health care more affordable tops list receiving a mean score of 8.0 out of maximum score of 10

Accessibility of health insurance also ranks among top five priorities for residents

Health Care

Health Care Making health care more affordable ranks among top three issues in every county Number one priority for Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties Five years ago, making health insurance easier to get ranked sixth with an average rating of 7.4. This year, it ranks fifth with an average score of 7.7 Appears among seven highest priorities in each county Making Health Care More Affordable 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 1 8.0 3 7.7 Columbia 1 7.9 2 7.6 Dutchess 1 8.0 3 7.7 Greene 3 7.6 3 7.6 Orange 1 8.0 4 7.7 Putnam 3 7.6 7 7.3 Sullivan 2 7.9 na na Ulster 1 8.1 1 8.0 Making Health Insurance Easier to Get 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 5 7.7 6 7.4 Columbia 3 7.7 4 7.3 Dutchess 7 7.6 6 7.3 Greene 6 7.3 7 7.2 Orange 6 7.7 7 7.5 Putnam 6 7.2 9 6.9 Sullivan 4 7.8 na na Ulster 4 7.9 4 7.7

Making health care more affordable ranks among top three issues in every county

Number one priority for Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties

Five years ago, making health insurance easier to get ranked sixth with an average rating of 7.4. This year, it ranks fifth with an average score of 7.7

Appears among seven highest priorities in each county

Health Care A majority of Mid-Hudson Valley residents, 55%, have a favorable impression of quality of health care services in community Overall, there has been no change in proportion of residents who are satisfied with quality of health care services since 2002 43% of residents believe not enough is being spent on health care services, and 46% think current level of funding is on target

A majority of Mid-Hudson Valley residents, 55%, have a favorable impression of quality of health care services in community

Overall, there has been no change in proportion of residents who are satisfied with quality of health care services since 2002

43% of residents believe not enough is being spent on health care services, and 46% think current level of funding is on target

Economic Priorities

Economic Priorities Keeping businesses in the area and reducing taxes are among leading priorities for residents overall Keeping businesses in the area receives a mean score of 7.9 Residents ranked keeping businesses in the area as single highest priority for community in 2002 Creating more jobs also ranks among top ten priorities Mid-Hudson Valley 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Keeping businesses in the area 2 7.9 1 7.9 Reducing taxes 3 7.9 9 7.3 Creating more jobs 6 7.6 5 7.5

Keeping businesses in the area and reducing taxes are among leading priorities for residents overall

Keeping businesses in the area receives a mean score of 7.9

Residents ranked keeping businesses in the area as single highest priority for community in 2002

Creating more jobs also ranks among top ten priorities

Economic Priorities Reducing taxes receives an average score of 7.9 This is an increase from average score of 7.3 it received in 2002 The need to reduce taxes is now highest ranking priority for Putnam County It ranks as number two in both Columbia and Orange Counties and ranks third in Ulster County Reducing taxes now ranks on list of top six priorities for all seven counties Reducing Taxes 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 3 7.9 9 7.3 Columbia 2 7.7 9 7.0 Dutchess 6 7.7 11 7.1 Greene 4 7.5 8 7.0 Orange 2 8.0 10 7.4 Putnam 1 8.1 3 7.6 Sullivan 5 7.8 na na Ulster 3 7.9 9 7.1

Reducing taxes receives an average score of 7.9

This is an increase from average score of 7.3 it received in 2002

The need to reduce taxes is now highest ranking priority for Putnam County

It ranks as number two in both Columbia and Orange Counties and ranks third in Ulster County

Reducing taxes now ranks on list of top six priorities for all seven counties

Economic Priorities With an average score of 7.6, creating more jobs now ranks sixth 58% are not satisfied with the quality of jobs Almost one-quarter of residents describe the quality of jobs as poor About one-third considers quality of jobs to be only fair Just 39% describe quality of jobs in region favorably Creating More Jobs 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 6 7.6 5 7.5 Columbia 7 7.3 5 7.2 Dutchess 5 7.7 5 7.5 Greene 7 7.3 5 7.4 Orange 8 7.7 6 7.6 Putnam 9 6.9 8 7.1 Sullivan 3 7.9 na na Ulster 6 7.9 6 7.5

With an average score of 7.6, creating more jobs now ranks sixth

58% are not satisfied with the quality of jobs

Almost one-quarter of residents describe the quality of jobs as poor

About one-third considers quality of jobs to be only fair

Just 39% describe quality of jobs in region favorably

Economic Priorities 54% believe community allocates too few resources toward improving jobs A little over one-third believes community spending toward goal is about right

54% believe community allocates too few resources toward improving jobs

A little over one-third believes community spending toward goal is about right

Priorities that Affect Children

Priorities that Affect Children Improving quality of public schools receives an average score of 7.8, the same rating it received in 2002 Ranks fourth overall among Mid-Hudson Valley residents After-school activities and child care are also important issues Mid-Hudson Valley 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Improving the quality of the public schools 4 7.8 2 7.8 Providing more after-school activities 10 7.4 7 7.3 Providing more affordable, quality child care 13 6.9 12 6.8

Improving quality of public schools receives an average score of 7.8, the same rating it received in 2002

Ranks fourth overall among Mid-Hudson Valley residents

After-school activities and child care are also important issues

Priorities that Affect Children Public education ranks among four highest priorities in every county except Sullivan County where it is sixth Mid-Hudson Valley residents feel positively about quality of schools in community Just one in ten considers them to be excellent Only 8% describe them as poor Residents’ assessments of the quality of public schools have remained fairly constant since 2002 Improving the Quality of the Public Schools 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 4 7.8 2 7.8 Columbia 4 7.6 1 7.7 Dutchess 3 7.9 2 7.9 Greene 2 7.6 2 7.8 Orange 4 7.8 2 7.9 Putnam 4 7.5 2 7.6 Sullivan 6 7.7 na na Ulster 2 8.0 3 7.9

Public education ranks among four highest priorities in every county except Sullivan County where it is sixth

Mid-Hudson Valley residents feel positively about quality of schools in community

Just one in ten considers them to be excellent

Only 8% describe them as poor

Residents’ assessments of the quality of public schools have remained fairly constant since 2002

Priorities that Affect Children A majority of Mid-Hudson Valley residents are satisfied with amount community allocates toward improving public schools Three in ten residents think community does not spend enough on public education 15% believe too much money is being spent

A majority of Mid-Hudson Valley residents are satisfied with amount community allocates toward improving public schools

Three in ten residents think community does not spend enough on public education

15% believe too much money is being spent

Services for Senior Citizens

Services for Senior Citizens Mid-Hudson Valley residents rank services for senior citizens among top ten priorities Half feel positively about quality of services available to seniors Providing Services for Senior Citizens 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 7 7.6 4 7.5 Columbia 6 7.5 6 7.2 Dutchess 9 7.5 4 7.5 Greene 8 7.2 4 7.5 Orange 5 7.7 3 7.7 Putnam 5 7.3 5 7.4 Sullivan 9 7.4 na na Ulster 7 7.7 5 7.5

Mid-Hudson Valley residents rank services for senior citizens among top ten priorities

Half feel positively about quality of services available to seniors

Crime

Crime Most residents are satisfied with job community is doing to protect them from crime There has been a slight increase in proportion of residents who think community is only doing a fair or poor job Making Your Community Safer 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 8 7.5 10 7.2 Columbia 12 6.7 12 6.5 Dutchess 4 7.7 8 7.3 Greene 9 7.0 9 6.8 Orange 7 7.7 5 7.6 Putnam 8 7.0 11 6.8 Sullivan 10 7.3 na na Ulster 11 7.2 11 7.1

Most residents are satisfied with job community is doing to protect them from crime

There has been a slight increase in proportion of residents who think community is only doing a fair or poor job

The Environment

The Environment Protecting open space continues to be among residents’ top ten priorities Other environmental issues, such as water quality, public areas, and slowing growth are lower on list Mid-Hudson Valley Residents 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Protecting open space 9 7.4 8 7.3 Improving the quality of the water 15 6.6 15 6.4 Increasing the number of public areas 16 6.4 16 6.2 Slowing growth and development 18 6.4 18 6.1

Protecting open space continues to be among residents’ top ten priorities

Other environmental issues, such as water quality, public areas, and slowing growth are lower on list

Housing Housing

Housing Increasing affordable housing receives score of 7.1 Represents considerable increase from average rating of 6.5 received in 2002 Increasing the Amount of Affordable Housing 2007 2002 Rank Mean Rank Mean Mid-Hudson Valley 12 7.1 13 6.5 Columbia 10 7.0 13 6.3 Dutchess 12 7.2 13 6.5 Greene 12 6.4 13 6.1 Orange 12 7.2 15 6.6 Putnam 12 6.5 17 6.0 Sullivan 12 6.9 na na Ulster 12 7.1 13 6.8

Increasing affordable housing receives score of 7.1

Represents considerable increase from average rating of 6.5 received in 2002

Housing 70% of Mid-Hudson Valley residents are dissatisfied with amount of affordable housing in community The proportion of residents who describe the cost of housing as poor has increased by eleven percentage points, from 23% in 2002 to 34% today 58% believe community should allocate more resources for improving affordability of housing in region

70% of Mid-Hudson Valley residents are dissatisfied with amount of affordable housing in community

The proportion of residents who describe the cost of housing as poor has increased by eleven percentage points, from 23% in 2002 to 34% today

58% believe community should allocate more resources for improving affordability of housing in region

Continuity & Change in the Past Five Years

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years 77% believe they can have at least a moderate impact on place in which they live 88% of residents generally feel positively about life in community 51% view volunteerism as best way to make a difference

77% believe they can have at least a moderate impact on place in which they live

88% of residents generally feel positively about life in community

51% view volunteerism as best way to make a difference

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years 60% of residents in region believe decision makers see things differently than public Only 35% think leaders in community are in touch with public In 2002, 50% felt a disconnect between decision makers and public, and 43% felt decision makers were in step with public

60% of residents in region believe decision makers see things differently than public

Only 35% think leaders in community are in touch with public

In 2002, 50% felt a disconnect between decision makers and public, and 43% felt decision makers were in step with public

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years Proportion of residents in Dutchess, Putnam, and Sullivan Counties who feel leaders are disconnected is double or nearly double the proportion of people who feel leaders are in touch

Proportion of residents in Dutchess, Putnam, and Sullivan Counties who feel leaders are disconnected is double or nearly double the proportion of people who feel leaders are in touch

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years Many new residents have moved to the area since the last survey 2002 average length of residence: 25 years 2007 average length of residence: 23 years Two-thirds of all current residents have lived in the area for more than a decade About one in five residents has moved to their community in the past five years New Residents Mid-Hudson Valley Row % Column % Column % Mid-Hudson Valley 21% 100% 100% Columbia 16% 4% 4% Dutchess 19% 25% 27% Greene 20% 3% 3% Orange 24% 39% 34% Putnam 23% 10% 9% Sullivan 23% 7% 7% Ulster 16% 12% 16%

Many new residents have moved to the area since the last survey

2002 average length of residence: 25 years

2007 average length of residence: 23 years

Two-thirds of all current residents have lived in the area for more than a decade

About one in five residents has moved to their community in the past five years

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years New residents are generally young 16% are Latino and 16% are born outside the United States African Americans make up 11% of people who are new to their community New Residents Mid-Hudson Valley Row % Column % Column % Mid-Hudson Valley 21% 100% 100% Under 35 36% 45% 26% White 18% 69% 83% African American 30% 11% 7% Latino 34% 16% 10% Born in another country 39% 16% 8% Less than college 18% 56% 65% College graduate 26% 44% 35% Children in household 24% 52% 44% Dual income household 22% 55% 51% Less than $50,000 20% 39% 42% $50,000 or more 23% 61% 58% $100,000 or more 21% 24% 24% Property owner 17% 59% 73%

New residents are generally young

16% are Latino and 16% are born outside the United States

African Americans make up 11% of people who are new to their community

Continuity and Change in the Past Five Years In 2002, 39% of registered voters were Republicans compared with 32% who were Democrats, and 24% who were not enrolled in any political party Today, proportion of registered Republicans, Democrats, and non-enrolled voters is about even

In 2002, 39% of registered voters were Republicans compared with 32% who were Democrats, and 24% who were not enrolled in any political party

Today, proportion of registered Republicans, Democrats, and non-enrolled voters is about even

Plans for the Future Plans for the Future

Residents’ Plans for the Future 29% of residents intend to relocate Half of those residents who intend to leave plan to do so because of economic reasons Top economic reasons: 17% of residents planning to leave cite cost of living, 17% point to taxes, and 12% mention jobs Top non-economic reasons: 8% mention climate, 7% think it’s time for change, 6% cite overcrowding, and the same proportion mentions quality of life Why Leaving Mid-Hudson Valley? 2007 Residents who plan to move in next 5 years

29% of residents intend to relocate

Half of those residents who intend to leave plan to do so because of economic reasons

Top economic reasons:

17% of residents planning to leave cite cost of living, 17% point to taxes, and 12% mention jobs

Top non-economic reasons:

8% mention climate, 7% think it’s time for change, 6% cite overcrowding, and the same proportion mentions quality of life

Making Ends Meet

Making Ends Meet There is a consensus that the region is not a very affordable place to live 64% of residents say Mid-Hudson region is unaffordable

There is a consensus that the region is not a very affordable place to live

64% of residents say Mid-Hudson region is unaffordable

Making Ends Meet Cost of gasoline 77% report their family finances have been stretched considerably by high cost of fuel Heat and electricity 63% think cost of heat and electricity places a heavy burden on household finances

Cost of gasoline

77% report their family finances have been stretched considerably by high cost of fuel

Heat and electricity

63% think cost of heat and electricity places a heavy burden on household finances

Making Ends Meet Property taxes 58% describe cost of property taxes as placing financial stress on their monthly budget Rent or mortgage 53% find it difficult to meet these payments each month Health insurance 41% experience financial difficulty paying for health insurance

Property taxes

58% describe cost of property taxes as placing financial stress on their monthly budget

Rent or mortgage

53% find it difficult to meet these payments each month

Health insurance

41% experience financial difficulty paying for health insurance

Making Ends Meet Health care costs Over one-third report household medical expenses place a great deal or good amount of stress on finances Paying or saving for private school or college 33% say tuition costs place either a great deal or a good amount of strain on family finances Child care About one in ten struggle to pay for child care Cost of public transportation 8% have difficulty meeting monthly expenses for this purpose

Health care costs

Over one-third report household medical expenses place a great deal or good amount of stress on finances

Paying or saving for private school or college

33% say tuition costs place either a great deal or a good amount of strain on family finances

Child care

About one in ten struggle to pay for child care

Cost of public transportation

8% have difficulty meeting monthly expenses for this purpose

Working in the Mid-Hudson Valley

Working in the Mid-Hudson Valley 55% of Mid-Hudson Valley households have at least two jobs This includes households where two adult earners work as well as those households where one adult holds more than one job 77% of households with income of $100,000 or more hold at least two jobs This includes nearly one-third of these households with three or more jobs

55% of Mid-Hudson Valley households have at least two jobs

This includes households where two adult earners work as well as those households where one adult holds more than one job

77% of households with income of $100,000 or more hold at least two jobs

This includes nearly one-third of these households with three or more jobs

Working in the Mid-Hudson Valley Average work week: 43.1 hours Average commute: 28.0 minutes In order to earn more, many are working long hours, or enduring a long commute

Average work week: 43.1 hours

Average commute: 28.0 minutes

In order to earn more, many are working long hours, or enduring a long commute

Working in the Mid-Hudson Valley 60% think it would be difficult to find similar work within the same distance from their home as their current position if they were to lose their job

60% think it would be difficult to find similar work within the same distance from their home as their current position if they were to lose their job

Renting but Hoping to Own

Renting but Hoping to Own 29% rent their home or apartment 65% of renters find making their rent payment difficult

29% rent their home or apartment

65% of renters find making their rent payment difficult

Renting but Hoping to Own 49% of renters express interest in homeownership someday, 51% do not 57% of people who rent think they are priced out of homeownership 55% of renters who want to buy a home believe it likely they will be able to afford a home but 45% doubt they will be able to afford a home 53% of renters who are interested in purchasing a home plan to move out of the region if they cannot afford to buy one in the area

49% of renters express interest in homeownership someday, 51% do not

57% of people who rent think they are priced out of homeownership

55% of renters who want to buy a home believe it likely they will be able to afford a home but 45% doubt they will be able to afford a home

53% of renters who are interested in purchasing a home plan to move out of the region if they cannot afford to buy one in the area

Renting but Hoping to Own

People Doing Without

People Doing Without Although most Mid-Hudson Valley residents have not experienced economic hardships, 24% of residents mention at least one

Although most Mid-Hudson Valley residents have not experienced economic hardships, 24% of residents mention at least one

Health Matters

Health Matters 24% of households have a member who has not had continuous health insurance in the past year Using the U.S. Census, this is 96,250 of estimated 401,049 households 12% of households have at least one member currently without health insurance or approximately 48,125 households 15% of households with children include a member under age eighteen that has not had the benefit of continuous health insurance 7% of Mid-Hudson Valley households with children have at least one uninsured child

24% of households have a member who has not had continuous health insurance in the past year

Using the U.S. Census, this is 96,250 of estimated 401,049 households

12% of households have at least one member currently without health insurance or approximately 48,125 households

15% of households with children include a member under age eighteen that has not had the benefit of continuous health insurance

7% of Mid-Hudson Valley households with children have at least one uninsured child

Households with Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage 31% of households in both Columbia and Ulster counties have not had continuous coverage over past year Putnam County has smallest proportion of households without current or continuous health insurance at 14%

31% of households in both Columbia and Ulster counties have not had continuous coverage over past year

Putnam County has smallest proportion of households without current or continuous health insurance at 14%

Households with Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage High Rate Low Rate Percent Gap in Insurance

Households Currently Without Health Insurance Columbia, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties have highest rate of uninsured households in region 12% in Orange County and 10% in Dutchess County do not have continuous health coverage for all their members 7% currently lack coverage in Putnam County

Columbia, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties have highest rate of uninsured households in region

12% in Orange County and 10% in Dutchess County do not have continuous health coverage for all their members

7% currently lack coverage in Putnam County

Households Currently Without Health Insurance High Rate Low Rate Percent Currently Uninsured

Priced Out? About one-third says cost of medical expenses places financial stress on household finances Cost of health care puts strain on monthly budgets 54% of uninsured households 47% of households without continuous coverage 51% of residents with a disability About four in ten report paying for health insurance inflicts at least a good deal of stress on monthly budgets

About one-third says cost of medical expenses places financial stress on household finances

Cost of health care puts strain on monthly budgets

54% of uninsured households

47% of households without continuous coverage

51% of residents with a disability

About four in ten report paying for health insurance inflicts at least a good deal of stress on monthly budgets

Going Without Because of Cost 11% did not visit a doctor because they could not pay for it Uninsured residents are three times more likely to skip a visit to a doctor because of cost Households that experienced a gap in health care coverage over the past year are two and a half times more likely to miss a visit to the doctor 10% did not buy needed medicine because they could not afford it 30% of households without health insurance and 26% of households that have had gaps in coverage did not buy needed medication

11% did not visit a doctor because they could not pay for it

Uninsured residents are three times more likely to skip a visit to a doctor because of cost

Households that experienced a gap in health care coverage over the past year are two and a half times more likely to miss a visit to the doctor

10% did not buy needed medicine because they could not afford it

30% of households without health insurance and 26% of households that have had gaps in coverage did not buy needed medication

Conclusions The most pressing issues include health care costs, strength of the economy, taxes, and the quality of public education Residents are now much more concerned about health care costs than they were in 2002 They feel priced out by property taxes Most people in the Mid-Hudson region think the area is unaffordable for the average family Many Mid-Hudson Valley residents are dependent on more than one wage earner or are working more than one job, working long hours, or enduring a long commute Nearly six in ten residents are not satisfied with the jobs available in the region Many worry that if they were to lose their job, they would have a difficult time finding a comparable position within the same distance from their home Many Mid-Hudson Valley residents are struggling to pay for health care and health insurance 24% have not had continuous coverage over the past year 12% are currently uninsured

The most pressing issues include health care costs, strength of the economy, taxes, and the quality of public education

Residents are now much more concerned about health care costs than they were in 2002

They feel priced out by property taxes

Most people in the Mid-Hudson region think the area is unaffordable for the average family

Many Mid-Hudson Valley residents are dependent on more than one wage earner or are working more than one job, working long hours, or enduring a long commute

Nearly six in ten residents are not satisfied with the jobs available in the region

Many worry that if they were to lose their job, they would have a difficult time finding a comparable position within the same distance from their home

Many Mid-Hudson Valley residents are struggling to pay for health care and health insurance

24% have not had continuous coverage over the past year

12% are currently uninsured

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Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director, Marist College Institute for Public Opinion Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director, Marist Poll Marist College 3399 North Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 575-5050 Founded in 1978, the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion (MIPO) is a survey research center at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The Marist Poll has conducted independent research on public priorities, elections, and a wide variety of issues including the economy, health care, foreign affairs, the environment, science, information technology, and lifestyles. Through the regular public release of surveys, MIPO has built a legacy of independence, reliability, and accuracy. Frequently cited by journalists, public officials, and policy experts, the Marist Poll has been recognized for fairness, accuracy, and timeliness. Its results are featured in print and electronic media throughout the world.

Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director, Marist College Institute for Public Opinion

Dr. Barbara L. Carvalho, Director, Marist Poll

Marist College

3399 North Road

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

(845) 575-5050

Founded in 1978, the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion (MIPO) is a survey research center at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The Marist Poll has conducted independent research on public priorities, elections, and a wide variety of issues including the economy, health care, foreign affairs, the environment, science, information technology, and lifestyles. Through the regular public release of surveys, MIPO has built a legacy of independence, reliability, and accuracy. Frequently cited by journalists, public officials, and policy experts, the Marist Poll has been recognized for fairness, accuracy, and timeliness. Its results are featured in print and electronic media throughout the world.

Diana M. Gurieva, Executive Vice President Stephen Densmore, Press Liaison The Dyson Foundation 25 Halcyon Road Millbrook, NY 12545-9611 (845) 677-0644 Established in 1957, the Dyson Foundation is a private, family-directed grantmaking foundation led by Robert R. Dyson, who has served as the Foundation’s President since 2000. Headquartered in Millbrook, the Foundation awards grants through a diverse regional funding program serving the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Foundation’s assets stand at approximately $354 million and, in 2006, it awarded grants in excess of $18.4 million.

Diana M. Gurieva, Executive Vice President

Stephen Densmore, Press Liaison

The Dyson Foundation 25 Halcyon Road Millbrook, NY 12545-9611 (845) 677-0644

Established in 1957, the Dyson Foundation is a private, family-directed grantmaking foundation led by Robert R. Dyson, who has served as the Foundation’s President since 2000. Headquartered in Millbrook, the Foundation awards grants through a diverse regional funding program serving the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Foundation’s assets stand at approximately $354 million and, in 2006, it awarded grants in excess of $18.4 million.