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     Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 8)

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. March 24-28, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.2.

"Do you think the amount of taxes you pay is fair or unfair?"

3/24-28/11

CBS News Poll. March 18-21, 2011. N=1,022 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Which of these should be the higher priority for the nation right now: cutting government spending or creating jobs?"

ALL

Republicans

Democrats

Independents

"How serious a problem do you think the budget deficit is for the country right now: very serious, somewhat serious, not too serious, or not at all serious?"

3/18-21/11

2/11-14/11

"When it comes to the federal budget, which do you think Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress should do: compromise some of their positions in order to pass a budget and keep the federal government running, or stick to their positions even if it means not passing a budget and shutting the federal government down?"

3/18-21/11

"When it comes to the federal budget, which do you think the Republicans in Congress should do: compromise some of their positions in order to pass a budget and keep the federal government running, or stick to their positions even if it means not passing a budget and shutting the federal government down?"

3/18-21/11

Pew Research Center. March 8-14, 2011. N=1,525 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Considering what the president and Congress need to deal with, do you think reducing the budget deficit should be a top priority, important but lower priority, not too important, or does it not need to be addressed this year?"

3/8-14/11

"Would you favor or oppose [see below] as a way to reduce the budget deficit?"

"Lowering domestic spending"

3/8-14/11

"Lowering defense and military spending"

3/8-14/11

"Changes to Social Security and Medicare"

3/8-14/11

"Raising taxes"

3/8-14/11

"Who has the better approach to the budget deficit: Barack Obama, the Republicans in Congress, or is there not much difference?"

3/8-14/11

"If the government makes major cuts in federal spending this year in an effort to reduce the budget deficit, do you think these cuts will help the job situation, hurt the job situation, or not have much of an effect either way?"

3/8-14/11

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. March 11-13, 2011. N=1,023 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Think about all the money that the federal government spent last year. I'm going to name a few federal programs and for each one, I'd like you to estimate what percentage of the federal government's budget last year was spent on each of those programs. Just give me your best guess. You can pick any number from one percent to a hundred percent, or if you think it was less than one percent, you can say that too. . . ." N=508 (Version A), MoE ± 4.5

"Military spending by the Department of Defense"

3/11-13/11

"Medicare -- the federal health program for the elderly"

3/11-13/11

"Social Security"

3/11-13/11

"Medicaid -- the federal health program for the poor"

3/11-13/11

"Pensions and benefits for retired government workers"

3/11-13/11

"Aid to foreign countries for international development and humanitarian assistance"

3/11-13/11

"Food and nutrition assistance for the poor, including the program that used to be known as food stamps"

3/11-13/11

"Federal funding for elementary, secondary and higher education"

3/11-13/11

"Housing assistance for the poor"

3/11-13/11

"Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding for public television and public radio stations"

3/11-13/11

"I'm going to name a few federal programs and for each one, I'd like you to tell me whether you think federal spending on that program should be increased, kept the same, decreased a little, or decreased a lot, or if you think that program should be eliminated entirely. . . ." N=515 (Version B), MoE ± 4.5

"Federal funding for elementary, secondary and higher education"

3/11-13/11

"Medicare -- the federal health program for the elderly"

3/11-13/11

"Social Security"

3/11-13/11

"Medicaid -- the federal health program for the poor"

3/11-13/11

"Housing assistance for the poor"

3/11-13/11

"Food and nutrition assistance for the poor, including the program that used to be known as food stamps"

3/11-13/11

"Military spending by the Department of Defense"

3/11-13/11

"Pensions and benefits for retired government workers"

3/11-13/11

"Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding for public television and public radio stations"

3/11-13/11

"Aid to foreign countries for international development and humanitarian assistance"

3/11-13/11

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 10-13, 2011. N=1,005 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

"Who do you think better understands the economic problems people in this country are having: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

3/10-13/11

"Thinking about the federal government's economic stimulus program, do you think the economic stimulus program has helped the national economy, hurt the national economy, or hasn't made much difference?"

3/10-13/11

6/3-6/10

11/12-15/09

9/10-12/09

6/18-21/09

4/21-24/09

"Do you think large cuts in federal spending would do more to create jobs or do more to cut jobs in this country?" Options rotated

3/10-13/11

"As you may know, the federal government might have to partially shut down later this month if the Obama administration and the Republicans in Congress cannot agree on a plan to keep it running while they work on a new budget. Who do you think is mainly responsible for this situation: the Obama administration or the Republicans in Congress?" Options rotated

3/10-13/11

"Considering everything, do you think the partial shutdown of the federal government would be a good thing or a bad thing?"

3/10-13/11

Bloomberg National Poll conducted by Selzer & Company. March 4-7, 2011. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

"Which of the following do you see as the more important priority for the federal government right now: creating jobs or cutting spending?" Options rotated

3/4-7/11

"Do you think it is or is not possible to bring down the deficit substantially without raising taxes?"

3/4-7/11

"If taxes need to be raised to reduce the deficit, do you think enough revenue can be raised by taxing only those with household incomes of $250,000 a year or more, or do you think all taxpayers will have to pay more?"

3/4-7/11

"Do you think President Obama does or does not have an effective strategy for improving the long-term strength of the U.S. economy?"

3/4-7/11

"Who do you think has laid out a better vision for a successful economic future for the U.S.: President Obama or the Republicans?"

3/4-7/11

"Which of the following better describes your opinion about the battle in Congress over cutting spending to bring down the deficit? Deep cuts need to be made, even if it means shutting down the government for a while to get that done. Cuts need to be made, but compromises should be reached to avoid a government shutdown."

3/4-7/11

"Which party do you think will benefit more if the federal government shuts down: Republicans for taking a strong stand against government spending, or Democrats for trying to keep the government open?" Options rotated

3/4-7/11

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. March 3-6, 2011. N=1,040 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.1.

"The two main ways of reducing the budget deficit are to cut existing programs and to raise taxes. If you had to choose, which approach would you prefer?"

3/3-6/11

Democrats

Independents

Republicans

Asked of those who answered "Cut existing programs" or "Both":
"The following three programs account for over 60% of the total federal budget. In which of the following areas would you recommend cuts in order to reduce the federal budget deficit: defense spending, Medicare/Medicaid, or Social Security?" Multiple responses accepted.

Defense spending

Medicare/Medicaid

Social Security

Other (vol.)

None (vol.)

Unsure

"Republicans in Congress have proposed cutting 61 billion dollars from the budget. Some people believe that cuts of this size are essential to balance the budget. Others believe that cuts of this size could cause job losses. Which of these comes closer to your personal view?"

3/3-6/11

Democrats

Independents

Republicans

"As you may know, the federal government may shut down because Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been unable to agree on a budget for the rest of 2011. In your view, to what extent would a government shutdown affect you personally? Would it affect you a lot, some, a little, or not at all?"

3/3-6/11

Quinnipiac University Poll. Feb. 21-28, 2011. N=1,887 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.3.

"If Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling, the government will be shut down except for those workers deemed essential. Some people say shutting down the government except for essential personnel would be a bad thing because many federal services would be unavailable. Others say it would be a good thing because it would stop the government from going further into debt. Which comes closer to your point of view?"

2/21-28/11

"If the federal government shuts down, who would you hold more responsible: President Obama or the Republicans in Congress?"

2/21-28/11

"There is a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and the president from being paid during a government shutdown. Do you think that bill is a good idea or a bad idea?"

2/21-28/11

"In order to reduce state budget deficits, would you support or oppose making public employees pay more for their benefits and retirement programs?"

2/21-28/11

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Feb. 24-27, 2011. N=984 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"If you HAD to choose ONE, which of the following would you be willing to do in order to reduce your STATE'S budget deficit: increase taxes, decrease benefits of public employees like teachers or police officers, decrease funding for roads and public transportation, OR decrease funding for education?" Options rotated

2/24-27/11

"In order to reduce state budget deficits, do you favor cutting the pay or benefits of public employees, or do you oppose that?" Options rotated

2/24-27/11

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Feb. 21, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4. Interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking.

"As you may know, many U.S. state governments are facing large budget deficits this year. Please say whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following ways state officials could reduce their budget deficits. How about [see below]?"

"Reducing or eliminating certain state programs"

2/21/11

"Reducing pay or benefits the state provides for government workers"

2/21/11

"Increasing state sales, income or other taxes"

2/21/11

"As you may know, one way the legislature in Wisconsin is seeking to reduce its budget deficit is by passing a bill that would take away some of the collective bargaining rights of most public unions, including the state teachers' union. Would you favor or oppose such a bill in your state?"

2/21/11

"Based on what you know or have read, is your state facing a budget crisis this year, is it not facing a budget crisis, or are you unsure?"

2/21/11

Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University. Jan. 27-Feb. 9, 2011. N=1,959 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"How much blame, if any, do you think each of the following should get for the economic challenges facing this country today? First/Next do you blame [see below] a lot, some, only a little, or not at all for the economic challenges facing the country?"

"The government in Washington"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Wall Street financial institutions"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Consumers who spent more than they could afford"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Which political party, the Democrats or the Republicans, do you think better understands the economic problems people in this country are having?" Options rotated

1/27 - 2/9/11

"When it comes to looking out for the economic interests of [see below], do you think that the Obama administration is doing too much, too little or about the right amount?"

"You and your family"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"African Americans"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Hispanic Americans"

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Wall Street financial institutions" N=979 (Form A)

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Small businesses" N=979 (Form A)

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Middle class Americans" N=980 (Form B)

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Wealthy Americans, the upper class" N=980 (Form B)

1/27 - 2/9/11

"Working class Americans" N=980 (Form B)

1/27 - 2/9/11

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 26, 2011. N=1,004 adults nationwide, interviewed via Gallup Daily tracking. Margin of error ± 4.

"Which proposal for government spending do you favor more: President Obama's proposal to freeze discretionary domestic spending for the next five years or congressional Republicans' proposal to cut discretionary domestic spending back to 2008 levels?" Options rotated

1/26/11

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Jan. 21-23, 2011. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"In general, do you favor or oppose a legislative agenda that would reduce the size of the government?"

1/21-23/11

"In your view, do current Republican proposals to cut spending go too far, or not?"

1/21-23/11

"As you know, Congress may try to cut federal programs in order to reduce the budget deficit. For each of the following programs, please tell me whether you think it is more important to reduce the federal budget deficit, or more important to prevent that program from being significantly cut. . . ."

"Aid to foreign countries"

1/21-23/11

"Pensions and benefits for retired government workers"

1/21-23/11

"Welfare programs in general"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Defense spending"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Programs to build and maintain roads, bridges and mass transit"

1/21-23/11

"Assistance to unemployed workers"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Medicaid -- the federal health program for the poor"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Education programs"

1/21-23/11

"Social Security"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Medicare -- the federal health program for the elderly"

1/21-23/11

11/11-14/10

"Veterans benefits"

1/21-23/11

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Jan. 15-19, 2011. N=1,036 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"So far, do you think the government's stimulus package has made the economy better, made the economy worse, or has it had no impact on the economy so far?"

1/15-19/11

10/1-5/10

9/10-14/10

7/9-12/10

4/5-12/10

12/4-8/09

9/19-23/09

7/24-28/09

7/9-12/09

"So far, do you think the government's stimulus package has made the job situation better, made the job situation worse, or has it had no impact on the job situation so far?"

1/15-19/11

"Do you think it is necessary to take immediate action to lower the budget deficit or do you think it's possible to wait for better economic times?"

1/15-19/11

"In general, which comes closer to your view of the government's budget deficit? It is generally okay for the government to run whatever deficits it needs, if that's what it takes to provide important services to people. It is sometimes okay for the government to run deficits, such as in emergencies or if the size of the deficit is kept manageable. It is never okay for the government to run deficits, under any circumstances."

1/15-19/11

1/5-9/11

"In order to reduce the federal budget deficit, do you think it will be necessary or not necessary to increase taxes on people like you?"

1/15-19/11

"In order to reduce the federal budget deficit, do you think it will be necessary or not necessary to cut back on government programs that benefit people like you?"

1/15-19/11

"If you HAD to choose ONE, which would you prefer in order to reduce the federal budget deficit: raising taxes on people like you or reducing spending on government programs that benefit people like you?"

1/15-19/11

"If you HAD to choose ONE, which of the following domestic programs would you be willing to reduce in order to cut government spending: education, OR roads, bridges and other infrastructure, OR science and medical research, OR aid to the unemployed and poor?"

1/15-19/11

"As you may know, the largest items in the federal budget are Medicare, the government health insurance program for seniors; Social Security; and the military. If you HAD to choose ONE, which of the following programs would you be willing to change in order to cut government spending: Medicare, Social Security, or the military?"

1/15-19/11

"Currently, most Americans receive Medicare benefits once they turn 65. But the money Medicare takes in from taxpayers is not enough to pay for the program as it exists now. If you HAD to choose ONE in order to reduce the federal budget deficit, which would you prefer: reduce the future benefits of Medicare recipients or raise Medicare taxes on people paying into the system?"

1/15-19/11

"If you HAD to choose ONE, which of the following changes to military spending would you prefer in order to reduce the federal budget deficit: reducing the size of the army and other branches of the military; OR reducing the number of American troops stationed in Europe and Asia; OR eliminating some major weapons programs; OR reducing the pay and benefits of non-combat military personnel and veterans?"

1/15-19/11

Washington Post Poll. Jan. 13-17, 2011. N=1,000 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

"How much confidence do you have in President Obama when it comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future: a great deal, a good amount, just some or none at all?"

1/13-17/11

"How much confidence do you have in the Republicans in Congress when it comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future: a great deal, a good amount, just some or none at all?"

1/13-17/11

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Jan. 14-16, 2011. N=1,032 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

"I'm going to read a list of actions Congress could take this year. Please say whether you strongly favor, favor, oppose or strongly oppose Congress doing each of the following this year. How about pass a bill to overhaul the federal tax code?"

1/14-16/11

"Please say whether you favor or oppose cutting government spending in each of the following areas. How about . . . ?"  N=516 (Form A), MoE ± 5