A recent public opinion poll conducted by The Missouri Foundation for Health has revealed a complex picture of life in the Show-Me State. The “Speak Up Missouri” poll highlights the deep connections that residents feel within their communities while also shedding light on the significant challenges they face, including the rising cost of living, limited access to adequate health care, and concerns about drug and alcohol use.
Sheldon Weisgrau, vice president for health policy and advocacy at The Missouri Foundation for Health, emphasized the critical role of healthcare costs in the overall well-being of Missourians. “The cost of health care is really fundamental,” Weisgrau stated. “Addressing that problem can make life better for people in Missouri in a whole lot of other areas. If we can bring down the cost of health care, people would have money to spend on other things.”
Despite the challenges, many Missourians hold a positive view of their state. The poll found that residents often recommend Missouri as a good place to live, citing it as a safe and welcoming environment, particularly for raising children.
However, the poll also revealed significant differences in concerns across demographic groups. More than 80% of Black Missourians identified crime and gun violence as major issues, while White respondents expressed greater concern about the rising cost of living and healthcare expenses. Weisgrau also noted divergent views on climate change.
“Thirty-nine percent of respondents said that climate change was not too serious a problem. But for Democrats, nearly two-thirds labeled it as an extremely serious or very serious problem, compared with only 8% of Republicans,” Weisgrau explained.
As Missouri moves through an election year, Weisgrau stressed the importance of elected officials paying close attention to these concerns to address the pressing issues that impact the daily lives of their constituents.
