For immediate release

Contact:  Ryan Cudney
Phone:  630.290.2677
E-mail:  rcudney@ilsenategop.com

Senator Murphy spends an hour with 1,647 constituents…over the phone

PALATINE (6/11/07) – Proving technology has redefined participation in the political process, Republican State Senator Matt Murphy (27th District) conducted a live Tele-Townhall meeting with 1,647 constituents on Wednesday, June 6, 2007. 

Tele-Townhall is a web-based communications technology that allows public officials to personally invite mass-audiences to join them on a live, interactive conference call.  The Tele-Townhall begins when thousands of constituent receive a personal invitation to join their Senator in a virtual townhall meeting.  The Tele-Townhall operates much like a radio-talk show where the host is able to answer listener questions. 

“This technology provided a golden opportunity for me to connect with exponentially more people than I would have been able to otherwise,” said Murphy.  “People want to change politics and new technology like this is breaking down barriers and giving them the chance to talk back to their elected representatives.  After nearly an hour-and-a-half on the phone with so many constituents, I have a better idea of how to represent their interests in Springfield.”

Senator Murphy’s Tele-Townhall by the numbers:

14,481 constituents were dialed
4,497 constituents answered their phone and received an invitation to join the Tele-Townhall
1,647 constituents accepted the invitation (36 percent)
15 questions were answered by Senator Murphy during the 87 minute call

During the Tele-Townhall, Senator Murphy posed 6 questions to the participants.  For each question, participants were asked by Senator Murphy to press a key on their phone’s dial pad to register their respective preference.  Here are the responses by percentage.

The Governor has proposed a new gross receipts tax to fund his education and health care programs.  How do you feel about this plan?
Support    5%
Oppose     83
Undecided   12

Utility rates have risen dramatically in Illinois since the 10-year rate freeze was lifted.  The Senate is debating whether or not to impose a new freeze on utility rates or to pass a rate relief package.  How do you feel about either plan?
Support rate freeze   28%
Oppose rate freeze   20
Support rate relief package  49 
Oppose rate relief package  3

Should illegal immigrants receive a state issued driving certificate?
Support certificate 11%
Oppose certificate 77
Undecided  12

With property taxes rising, I co-sponsored legislation to extend the property tax assessment cap. How do you feel about this plan?
Support  80%
Oppose  10
Undecided  10

With gas prices rising, I’ve co-sponsored a bill to repeal the gas tax.  How do you feel about this plan?
Support  72%
Oppose  13
Undecided  15

The Governor has proposed a plan called Illinois Covered which he claims would provide universal heath care for everyone in Illinois.  How do you feel about state run health care?
Support  7%
Oppose  87
Undecided  7

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