Iowa.

A recent poll in Illinois by a school advocacy group indicates that a majority of surveyed voters would prefer simple-majority approval, not the currently required 60%, on local bond issues for school construction projects.

Bill Sherman, a spokesman for the Rebuild Iowa Coalition, said that 53% of the 829 registered voters in the poll favored the simple majority vote. He added that 40% of the voters were opposed to the idea and 7% had no opinion.

A change in the state requirement is further supported by the fact that half of the 122 bond issues that failed in the last decade would have passed under a simple-majority requirement, Mr. Sherman said.

"It is just one indication that there is a pent-up need for school building improvements in Iowa and that a majority of voters recognize the need to replace facilities," Mr. Sherman said. "But they're hampered by the 60% rule."

Mr. Sherman said that a bill to change the requirement failed to pass the legislature earlier this year. But he said the group intends to lobby for passage for a similar measure in the next legislative session, adding that Gov. Terry Branstad's support is essential.

However, Richard Vohs, Gov. Branstad's spokesman, said the governor, "is concerned about the level of property taxes in Iowa" and stands behind the present law "at this time."

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