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     Budget, Taxes, Economic Policy (p. 2)

Pew Research Center/Washington Post. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

"As I read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past week, please tell me if you happened to follow each news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. First, the debate in Washington over automatic spending cuts and tax increases that would take effect in January unless the President and Congress act."

11/29 - 12/2/12

"How well do you feel you understand what would happen if these automatic spending cuts and tax increases were to go into effect in January: very well, fairly well, not too well, or not at all well?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

"If these automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect, do you think they would have a major effect, minor effect or no effect on the U.S. economy?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

If would have an effect:
"And would the effect on the U.S. economy be mostly positive or mostly negative?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

"If these automatic spending cuts and tax increases go into effect, do you think they would have a major effect, minor effect or no effect on your personal financial situation?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

If would have an effect:
"And would the effect on your personal financial situation be mostly positive or mostly negative?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

"Do you think President Obama and Republicans in Congress will reach an agreement to prevent automatic spending cuts and tax increases from going into effect before January 1st, or not?"

11/29 - 12/2/12

"If an agreement is not reached, who do you think would be more to blame: Republicans in Congress or President Obama?" Options rotated

11/29 - 12/2/12

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2012. N=1,003 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

"As you may know, Congress is considering ways to reduce the federal deficit over the next decade. Which ONE of the following three options to reduce the deficit would you most prefer? Have about two-thirds of the money come from spending cuts and one-third from tax increases. OR, Have about two-thirds of the money come from tax increases and one-third from spending cuts. OR, Have about half the money come from tax increases and half from spending cuts."

11/29 - 12/2/12

"As you may know, both Democrats and Republicans are talking about raising more tax revenue from families earning at least $250,000 per year as part of a long-term plan to reduce the federal deficit. Which ONE of the following three options would you most prefer to raise additional tax revenue from high income families? Reduce their ability to benefit from tax deductions like those for mortgage payments and state and local taxes but do NOT increase their tax rates. OR, Increase their tax rates but do NOT change their ability to benefit from tax deductions. OR, BOTH increase their tax rates AND reduce their ability to benefit from tax deductions."

11/29 - 12/2/12

"As you may know, the top tax rate for taxpayers with the highest incomes is now 35 percent. President Obama says this top rate should rise to 39.6 percent, its level during Bill Clinton's presidency. Congressional Republicans say returning the top rate to that level would weaken the economy by discouraging job creation and hurting small businesses. Which ONE of the following four statements best describes your view of how this change in the top rate would affect the economy. It would not hurt the economy at all. It would hurt the economy somewhat. It would hurt the economy a lot. OR, It would actually HELP the economy by reducing the deficit."

11/29 - 12/2/12

"I'm going to read you some government programs whose spending could be cut to help reduce the federal budget deficit. As I read each one, please tell me if you think spending should be cut back a lot, some, or not at all to help reduce the deficit. First/Next, what about [see below]?"

"Social Security"

11/29 - 12/2/12

2/9-12/12

"Medicare, the medical program for the elderly"

11/29 - 12/2/12

2/9-12/12

"Food stamps and housing vouchers that go to low income families"

11/29 - 12/2/12

2/9-12/12

"Medicaid for low income families"

11/29 - 12/2/12

2/9-12/12

"Defense spending"

11/29 - 12/2/12

2/9-12/12

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 21-25, 2012. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

"Overall, do you support or oppose raising taxes on incomes over 250 thousand dollars a year?"

ALL

Democrats

Republicans

Independents

"Overall, do you support or oppose reducing deductions people can claim on their federal income taxes?"

11/21-25/12

"Overall, do you support or oppose raising the age for Medicare coverage from 65 to 67?"

11/21-25/12

CNN/ORC Poll. Nov. 16-18, 2012. N=1,023 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"As you may know, last year Congress and the President agreed to a program to reduce the federal deficit that some people call the 'fiscal cliff.' Unless Congress and the President reach an agreement within the next few weeks, tax rates will automatically rise in January for almost all Americans and major spending cuts will automatically occur next year in most government spending programs, including military programs.

"If those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would cause a crisis, major problems, minor problems, or no problems at all for the United States?"

11/16-18/12

"And if those automatic tax increases and spending cuts occur next year, do you think that would affect your personal financial situation a great deal, some, not much, or not at all?"

11/16-18/12

"If you had to choose, would you rather see Congress and President Obama agree to a budget plan that only included cuts in government spending, or a budget plan that includes a combination of spending cuts and tax increases on higher-income Americans?"

11/16-18/12

7/18-20/11

"What's your best guess? Do you think that in the upcoming discussions on this matter, elected officials in Washington will behave mostly like responsible adults or mostly like spoiled children?"

11/16-18/12

"Which of these statements comes closest to your view? Taxes on wealthy people should be kept low because they invest their money in the private sector and that helps the economy and creates jobs. Taxes on wealthy people should be kept high so the government can use their money for programs to help lower-income people." Options rotated

11/16-18/12

8/5-7/11

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 9-12, 2012. N=1,009 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"As you may know, Congress can reduce the federal budget deficit by cutting spending, raising taxes, or a combination of the two. Ideally, how would you prefer to see Congress attempt to reduce the federal budget deficit: only with spending cuts, mostly with spending cuts, equally with spending cuts and tax increases, mostly with tax increases, or only with tax increases?" Options rotated

Only spending cuts 

Mostly spending cuts 

Spending cuts, tax increases equally 

Mostly tax increases 

Only tax increases 

Other (vol.) 

Unsure

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Oct. 12-14, 2012. N=1,006 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

"As you may know, if Congress does not come up with a plan that passes by the end of this year it will trigger automatic cuts in government spending, including $600 billion each from defense and domestic programs. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea?"

10/12-14/12

"Many members of Congress have expressed concern that they cannot come up with a deficit deal between their return to Congress in mid-November and the end of the year. Do you think that Congress can get a deal in the time remaining, or that Congress should defer any deal until the new year after Congress and the president are sworn in?"

10/12-14/12

"When it comes to the federal budget deficit, would you like lawmakers who share your views to stand by their principles, even if that means the problems don't get dealt with, or be willing to compromise, even if that means a deal that includes things you don't like?"

10/12-14/12

"If Congress fails to reach an agreement, who do you think would be most to blame: Republicans in Congress, President Obama, Democrats in Congress, or all parties equally?"

10/12-14/12

"Which one of the following possible outcomes of an agreement to reduce the deficit concerns you most? It will cut too much from government programs like Medicare and Social Security. It will raise taxes on people like you. It will allow for too much federal spending in the next few years. It will not meet its target for reducing the federal deficit and debt." Options rotated

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

"Congress has considered many proposals for reducing the deficit. As I read a list of ideas, please tell me if you think each one should be part of the final package that Congress considers to reduce the deficit, or not. First, how about [see below]? Do you think this should be part of the package to reduce the deficit, or not?"
11/11: "The super committee has considered many proposals for reducing the deficit.  ..."

"Letting the Bush tax cuts expire for families earning at least $250,000 a year"

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

"Reducing the value of itemized deductions for families earning at least $250,000 a year"

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

"Raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67"

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

"Placing strict limits on how much Washington will spend on Medicaid and Medicare"

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

"Freezing spending through the year 2019 on non-defense domestic programs such as education, parks and housing"

10/12-14/12

11/17-20/11

CNN/ORC Poll. Sept. 7-9, 2012. N=709 likely voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.
LV = likely voters. Among adults, expect where noted.

"Do you think the policies of Barack Obama and the Democrats or George W. Bush and the Republicans are more responsible for the country's current economic problems?"

9/7-9/12 LV

3/24-25/12

9/23-25/11

7/18-20/11

4/29 - 5/1/11

9/1-2/10

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Sept. 7-9, 2012. N=1,012 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.7.

"What is more important: taking steps to reduce the budget deficit or keeping Social Security and Medicare benefits as they are?"

9/7-9/12

"In 2009, Congress passed a 781 billion dollar stimulus program with money for roads, education, energy and other areas designed to revive the economy. Republicans have charged that it was a waste of money that didn't help the economy and added to the national debt, while supporters of this program say that it kept the economy from being in much worse shape and has helped the country in areas like energy independence. How much have you seen or heard about the stimulus program? Would you say a lot, a little, or nothing?"

9/7-9/12

Asked of those who have heard about the program:
"From what you have seen or heard about the stimulus program do you think it was the right thing to do for the country or the wrong thing for the country?"

9/7-9/12

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Aug. 22-25, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

"Who do you think is more responsible for the country's current economic problems: Barack Obama or George W. Bush?" Options rotated

8/22-25/12

5/17-20/12

1/12-15/12

"What do you think is a better way for the government to try to create jobs: by cutting taxes, or by spending money on projects like roads, bridges and technology development?" Options rotated

8/22-25/12

"What do you think is the bigger problem in this country: unfairness in the economic system that favors the wealthy, or over-regulation of the free market that interferes with growth and prosperity?" Options rotated

8/22-25/12

5/17-20/12

4/5-8/12

1/12-15/12

"As chairman of the House Budget Committee, [Paul] Ryan proposed a budget that would cut federal spending; cut taxes, including those paid by wealthy Americans and corporations; and restructure the Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs. Given what you know about this budget plan, would you say you support it strongly, support it somewhat, oppose it somewhat or oppose it strongly?"

8/22-25/12

Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation Poll. July 25-Aug. 5, 2012. N=3,130 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.

"Which of these do you think is more important right now: increasing federal spending to try to create jobs and improve the economy; or avoiding a big increase in the federal budget deficit?" Options rotated

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Thinking specifically about the JOB SITUATION in the country, please tell me whether each of the following would help, hurt, or not make much of a difference. . . ."

"Cutting personal income taxes"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Cutting taxes on businesses"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Budget cuts to reduce the federal deficit"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Additional spending on roads, bridges, and other public works projects"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Raising taxes on businesses that move manufacturing jobs overseas"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Please tell me if you would support or oppose each of the following to help reduce the nation's budget deficit. . . ."

"Raising taxes on households with incomes of 250 thousand dollars per year and higher"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Raising taxes on the middle class"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Reducing Social Security benefits" Half sample

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Reducing Social Security benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Reducing Medicare benefits"

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Reducing Medicare benefits for those with high incomes" Half sample

7/25 - 8/5/12

"Reducing military spending"

7/25 - 8/5/12

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. July 19-22, 2012. N=1,001 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.8.

"Over the past few years, Washington leaders have tried to address the problem of high unemployment, without much success. Which ONE of the following do you think is the MAIN reason unemployment remains high? Neither Democrats nor Republicans in Washington have come up with any good ideas to reduce unemployment so far. There have been good ideas, but fighting between Democrats and Republicans has blocked needed government action. OR, There is not much Washington leaders can do to reduce unemployment through policy or legislation."

7/19-22/12

10/13-16/11

CBS News/New York Times Poll. July 11-16, 2012. N=1,089 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"In general, would you be willing or not willing to have many of your local government services reduced if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

7/11-16/12

"Looking at your local public schools, would you be willing or not willing to have shorter school days or more crowded classrooms if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

7/11-16/12

"Looking at your local fire department, would you be willing or not willing to have fewer firefighters and fire stations if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

7/11-16/12

"Looking at your local police department, would you be willing or not willing to have fewer police officers and police precincts if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

7/11-16/12

"What about less essential government services, such as libraries and parks? Would you be willing or not willing to have a reduction in these services if it meant you would pay significantly less in taxes?"

7/11-16/12

Pew Research Center. July 12-15, 2012. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

"How much, if anything, have you heard about the debate over whether to raise federal taxes on income over $250,000? Have you heard a lot, a little, or nothing at all?"

7/12-15/12

"Do you think raising taxes on income over $250,000 would help the economy, hurt the economy, or not make a difference?"

7/12-15/12

"Do you think raising taxes on income over $250,000 would make the tax system more fair make the tax system less fair, or not make a difference?"

7/12-15/12

"And just as far as you know, which presidential candidate supports raising taxes on income over $250,000: Obama, Romney, both, or neither?"

7/12-15/12

McClatchy-Marist Poll. July 9-11, 2012. N=849 registered voters nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.5.

"Which statement comes closer to your view? Congress should extend the tax cuts only for the middle class, but not for the top 2%, that is, households earning $250,000 or more. Congress should extend the tax cuts for everyone, including the top 2%, that is, households earning $250,000 or more."

7/9-11/12

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). June 20-24, 2012. N=1,000 adults nationwide.

"When you think about the current economic conditions, do you feel that this is a situation that Barack Obama has inherited or is this a situation his policies are mostly responsible for?" Half sample (Form B)

6/20-24/12

11/2-5/11

8/27-31/11

6/9-13/11

12/9-13/10

9/22-26/10

1/10-14/10

10/22-25/09

6/12-15/09

2/26 - 3/1/09

"When it comes to the effect of President Obama's policies in improving economic conditions, would you say his policies have helped or hurt economic conditions, or have they not made much of a difference one way or the other?" Half sample (Form B)

6/20-24/12

4/13-17/12

11/2-5/11

8/27-31/11

Pew Research Center. June 7-17, 2012. N=2,013 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 2.5.

"If you were setting priorities for the federal government these days, would you place a higher priority on spending to help the economy recover, or a higher priority on reducing the budget deficit?" Options rotated

6/7-11/12

Republicans

Democrats

Independents

9/22 - 10/4/11

8/17-21/11

6/15-19/11

2/2-7/11

Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. June 7-11, 2012. N=1,099 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Since the recession started in 2008, do you think the U.S. Congress has generally helped the U.S. economy recover OR done more harm than good to the economy?"

6/7-11/12

"Since the recession started in 2008, do you think President Obama has generally helped the U.S. economy recover OR done more harm than good to the economy?"

6/7-11/12

CBS News/New York Times Poll. April 13-17, 2012. N=957 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Which do you think is the best way to promote economic growth in the U.S.? Lower taxes on individuals and businesses, and pay for those tax cuts by cutting spending on some government services and programs. OR, Spend more on education and the nation's infrastructure, and raise taxes on wealthy individuals and businesses to pay for that spending."

ALL

Republicans

Democrats

Independents

CNN/ORC Poll. April 13-15, 2012. N=1,015 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.

"Would you favor or oppose a proposal to change the federal income tax rates so that people who make more than one million dollars a year will pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes?" N=509 (Version A), margin of error ± 4.5

ALL

Democrats

Independents

Republicans

"I'd like to know whether the following statement describes or does not describe the way you feel: The present tax system benefits the rich and is unfair to the ordinary working man or woman."  N=506 (Version B), margin of error ± 4.5

ALL

Democrats

Independents

Republicans

"Do you consider the amount of federal income tax you have to pay as too high, about right, or too low?"

ALL

Democrats

Independents

Republicans

United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. April 12-15, 2012. N=1,002 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 3.6.

"Over the next year, what would you most like to see Congress and President Obama agree on? A plan to reduce the federal deficit and debt. A plan to create more jobs." Options rotated

4/12-15/12

Gallup Poll. April 9-12, 2012. N=1,016 adults nationwide. Margin of error ± 4.

"Do you consider the amount of federal income tax you have to pay as too high, about right, or too low?"