1. Key Findings from Recent Illinois Voter Survey Survey Conducted: May 12-14, 2009 Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates Opinion Research & Public Policy Analysis Santa Monica, CA – Oakland, CA – Madison, WI – Mexico City 220-2737

2. Methodology Telephone interviews with 600 Illinois voters Interviews conducted May 12-14, 2009 Margin of sampling error of +/-4.0% and higher for subgroups

3. Voters are highly concerned about the condition of the Illinois economy. However, they are strongly supportive of making substantial investments in land and water conservation. More than three-quarters (76%) would like to see state spending for land conservation kept the same or increased. Fully 79% back dedicating $350 million from the states capital budget to land and water conservation programs. Support for this investment cuts across all major subgroups of the Illinois electorate. Key Findings

4. Support 79% Dont Know 6% Oppose 15% Eight in ten Illinois voters support a $350 million capital investment in land and water conservation. 8/9. Would you support or oppose the Illinois General Assembly dedicating at least 350 million dollars – or one-point-three percent – of the 26 billion dollar capital budget for land and water conservation?

5. Support cuts across many demographic subgroups of the Illinois electorate. 77% of women and 80% of men 85% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 74% of independents 81% of voters under age 50 and 76% of voters age 50 and over 78% of whites and 81% of voters of color 80% of Chicago residents, 80% of those in the Cook County suburbs, 76% of voters in the collar counties, 82% of those in the northern part of the downstate region, and 73% of those in southern Illinois

6. Support 71% Dont Know 7% Oppose 22% Support is nearly as strong for a larger $700 million capital investment in land and water conservation. 8. Would you support or oppose the Illinois General Assembly dedicating at least 700 million dollars – or two-point-seven percent – of the 26 billion dollar capital budget for land and water conservation?

7. Total more or about the same 76% 7. In general, do you think that Illinois state government should be spending more, less or about the same amount for land and water conservation? A large majority of voters want state spending on land and water conservation to be increased or maintained.

8. Voters offer strong support for these investments despite evident concern about the economy. Voters have significant concerns about the direction of the state: A 54% majority of voters believe that Illinois is pretty seriously off on the wrong track. Issues related to the economy and government finances are among voters top concern: 91% rate state budget deficits as an extremely or very serious problem. 86% rate the economy as an extremely or very serious problem. 80% rate waste and inefficiency in state government as an extremely or very serious problem.

9. Even though state revenues are down, the Illinois state budget should include funding for land and water conservation We can protect land and water and have a strong economy at the same time, without having to choose one over the other 12a/d. Next, let me read you a few statements. After you hear each one, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with it. Voters see no conflict between economic concerns and investments in conservation.

10. Voters do not see addressing economic concerns and investing in conservation as at odds with each other. Consequently, they see dedicating a small portion of the states capital budget to that goal as highly reasonable, even in these trying economic times. In fact, they believe that it is an important investment even when state revenues are down. Ultimately, Illinois voters are highly confident that the state can enjoy a strong economy while still protecting its vital land and water resources. Conclusions