New Poll: Concerned with Affordability, New Yorkers Want Fair Prices,
But Not at the Cost of Their Discounts
Initial Support for the One Fair Price Act (OFPA) Falls 37 Points After New York Voters Learn That Legislation Would Cause Them to Lose Discounts
ALBANY, NY – A new statewide poll finds that while New York voters like the idea of legislation that would encourage fairer prices for consumers, many reject the One Fair Price Act (OFPA) in its current form as it would also eliminate discounts.
The poll, which was conducted by Outcome Analytics for The Business Council of New York State, Inc., surveyed 800 registered voters in New York State. The results highlight that two-thirds (66%) of those polled believe that New York lawmakers should prioritize affordability and cost of living. Their concerns about affordability in New York State, as well as the data received from the poll, have helped explain that while many initially supported OFPA, their support changed once understanding that they would lose discounts that they and their families rely on.
"Voters continue to be very clear that cost of living in New York remains their top concern,” said Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President at The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "While The Business Council supports fair pricing for consumers, the One Fair Price Act goes too far. Eliminating deals, travel bundles and first-time buyer savings that would help keep money in New Yorker’s pockets at a time when they need it most, is simply the wrong direction. We encourage that legislators work to help create a business climate across the state that is fair, while also allowing businesses to compete, thrive, and support consumers.”
OFPA initially had strong bipartisan support at 80%. Upon learning that discounts would be eliminated, support dropped 37 points to 43%.
It’s important to note that the sharp drop between the initial ask and the informed asks can be indicative of unsettled opinion in a low-information environment. As seen by the poll, only 6% have heard a “great deal” about the bill, while only 13% have heard “some” about the bill.
|
% Support for the One Fair Price Act |
Initial Support |
Support After being Informed of Discount Losses |
Change |
|
Total |
80 |
43 |
-37 |
|
Democrats |
83 |
47 |
-36 |
|
Independents |
75 |
38 |
-37 |
|
Republicans |
78 |
39 |
-39 |
Voters concerned with OFPA’s impact on affordability noted the following:
-
49% were concerned with losing retention offers to stay on current subscriptions.
-
46% were concerned with losing bundle offers that make travel more affordable.
-
44% were concerned with losing first-time purchaser discounts.
These findings come as The Business Council continues to work with stakeholders, members, and partners to help raise awareness and address the affordability crisis in New York State.
To learn more about the New Yorkers for Affordability Campaign, please visit www.newyorkersforaffordability.org
See the poll’s executive summary HERE.
###