NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new Vanderbilt Poll shows voters are butting heads with the positions of Tennessee lawmakers.
On topics such as abortion, gun control and safety as well as federal support for education, the poll states that state legislature has considerable differences in opinion than most registered voters, including Republicans.
According to the poll, approval of the legislature has fallen by 18%, standing currently at 42% in the current poll.
On the topic of gun control, there were six questions about possible gun reforms and in each case, there was "across-the-board support." For instance, "76% of all respondents are somewhat or very supportive of laws requiring gun owners to ensure that firearms stored in vehicles are secured."
The poll details that regardless of the proposal, support was large and bipartisan.
Around 80% reported they are somewhat or very supportive of a background check requirement for buying firearms at gun shows.
According to the poll, 77% of Tennessee voters support allowing abortion exceptions in the case of incest or rape.
This also includes the support of nearly 65% of Republicans.
At least 78% of voters said they also support the procedure if a fetus cannot survive outside the womb after delivery.
A top priority for many survey takers was education. In that, 58% of voters are against rejecting $1.8 billion in federal education funding. More than 90% of Democrats and 59% of independents followed that majority.
Republicans however had more support for the rejection of federal money.
From a leadership standpoint, Governor Bill Lee's approval rate has remained unchanged since April. He sits at 53%, which is his lowest approval rating during this term.
His highest was 65% in May 2021.
Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn holds a 41% overall approval rating in the state and Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty has 38% approval and 34% disapproval.
One of the topics that doesn't seem to be on Tennessean's minds at the moment is inflation. In November of last year, it was a top concern with 19% having it as a top priority for the state to address.
In the newest Vanderbilt survey, inflation dropped to 11%.
Journalism is at its best when we can shine a light on an issue that needs more attention. Once again, Hannah McDonald does this beautifully by highlighting the hardships of teens aging out of the foster care system. I learned something new in her reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!
-Carrie Sharp
