Survey Finds That Specifically Exposing The Corporate Character Of Chrysler, General Motors, Kimberly-Clark and International Paper Raises Voter Concerns About The Brands Of The Companies and Generates Support for Proposition 39

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- How do voters feel about the four companies that are making millions of dollars off of California while at the same time are fighting efforts to close a corporate tax loophole that would bring $1 billion in revenues and tens of thousands of jobs to the state?  A new survey reveals that voter support for Proposition 39 increases when voters are informed of the fact that Chrysler, General Motors, Kimberly-Clark and International Paper are all fighting to keep open a billion dollar out-of-state corporate tax loophole that gives them a competitive advantage over California businesses, even though these same companies fought to close the same tax loophole in states where they do the majority of their business.  However, after learning about the hypocritical conduct of the four companies, public favorability of the companies dropped dramatically and voters said they were significantly less likely to purchase products from the companies. 

The survey of 1,200 likely November 2012 California voters was conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of the Yes on Proposition 39 campaign, which seeks to close the corporate tax loophole that would require out-of-state companies like Chrysler, GM, Kimberly-Clark and International Paper to pay their fair share in taxes and as a result, level the playing field for California businesses.

In a statement, the campaign said, "The SurveyUSA poll reveals the fact that voters are especially responsive to messages related to exposing the specific corporations that are leading the effort to oppose the closing of the loophole, including the benefits that these companies currently receive from California in the form of government contracts, the fact that California taxpayers bailed out two of the companies, and the hypocrisy of these companies on this issue in light of the positions they took in other states where they benefited from the same loophole being closed.  This is exactly why our campaign will continue to do whatever it takes to educate voters about the hypocrisy of Chrysler, GM, International Paper and Kimberly-Clark.  Californians deserve to know the facts about these companies so they can make informed decisions about supporting Proposition 39 and whether or not to do future business with the four companies."

Currently, the coalition opposed to closing the tax loophole consists of four out-of-state corporations with a history of supporting efforts to close the loophole in the states where they do the majority of their business: Chrysler, GM, Kimberly-Clark and International Paper. When voters were informed of the four opponents and their history of supporting efforts to close the tax loophole in states where they do the majority of their business while they want to keep the loophole open in California, the brand image of these companies dropped dramatically:

• GM favorability goes from Plus 23 to Minus 32 after voters are told of GM's position on Prop 39 (a 55-point swing).
• Chrysler favorability goes from Plus 25 to Minus 26 after voters are told of Chrysler's position on Prop 39 (a 51-point swing).
• International Paper favorability goes from Plus 15 to Minus 30 after voters are told about International's position on 39 (a 45-point swing).
• Kimberly Clark favorability goes from Plus 23 to Minus 30 after voters are told of Kimberly Clark's position on 39 (a 53-point swing).

The survey also showed that California voters are less likely to buy products from Chrysler, GM, Kimberly-Clark and International Paper after learning of their involvement in opposing Proposition 39.

• 44% are less likely to buy a Chrysler after learning of Chrysler's involvement.
• 43% are less likely to buy a GM product after learning of GM's involvement.
• 40% are less likely to buy International Paper products after learning of International's involvement.
• 31% are less likely to buy Kimberly Clark products after learning of Kimberly Clark's involvement.

Survey Methodology

Between August 24-August 27, SurveyUSA conducted a phone survey of 1,200 likely November 2012 California voters on behalf of the Yes On Proposition 39 campaign with the specific objective of determining the attitudinal impact on voters of communicating the corporate character of those companies opposing the effort to close the existing loophole on out-of-state companies. Cell-phone and home-phone respondents included in this research. This research was conducted using blended sample, mixed-mode. Respondents reachable on a home telephone (68% of registered voters) were interviewed on their home telephone in the recorded voice of a professional announcer. Respondents not reachable on a home telephone (32% of registered voters) were shown a questionnaire on their smartphone, laptop or other electronic device.

For more information on Proposition 39, please visit www.yesonprop39 and follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/yesonprop39.

Paid for by Yes on 39 Californians to Close the Out-of-State Corporate Tax Loophole. Major Funding by Thomas F. Steyer and Californians for Clean Energy and Jobs, sponsored by environmental organizations and business for clean energy and jobs.

Contact:  Lisa Cohen, 310-395-2544 
              [email protected]

SOURCE Yes on Proposition 39