Rural Poll to Focus on Economic Downturn

This year\u27s Nebraska Rural Poll will ask rural residents how they\u27re faring during the current economic downturn. The University of Nebraska poll is the largest annual survey of rural Nebraskans\u27 views on quality of life and policy issues. Letters were mailed this month notifying about 7,000 households in Nebraska\u27s 87 rural counties that they had been randomly selected to participate in the poll. Nebraska so far has weathered the recession better than some states, but the downturn\u27s impact here is growing. Businesses have begun laying off employees, and the state Legislature is struggling with a tight budget picture. The 14th annual poll includes questions focusing on how the economic climate is affecting rural Nebraskans. It also includes follow-up questions about the digital television conversion. The annual poll is conducted by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources\u27 Center for Applied Rural Innovation. Funding also is provided by UNL Extension and the Agricultural Research Division