FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Irene Schneeweis (212) 709-4418
Amy Saltzman (301) 656-0348
NEW YORK, NY (April 13, 2011) – A major national poll released today by the Ms. Foundation dramatically counters conventional wisdom in Washington about the role of government and efforts to reduce the deficit. The poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners, shows that significant majorities of the American public want the government to play a stronger role in helping the economy work better for the average American, particularly when it comes to job creation – even if it means increasing the deficit in the short term.
The 2011 Community Voices for the Economy survey of 1,515 adults nationwide was conducted from March 15-24, 2011.
The poll offers an interesting, counterintuitive perspective on how Americans may react to President Obama’s speech on the deficit today. Here are a few highlights:
- By a nearly 20-point margin, Americans see the need for a stronger role for government in helping the economy work better for the average American. Fifty-six percent of Americans agree that, “It is time for government to take a larger and stronger role in making the economy work for the average American.” In contrast, only 36 percent choose the point of view that “Turning to big government to solve our economic problems will do more harm than good.” The desire for a stronger economic role for government has grown slightly—by four points—from a similar poll conducted last year by Lake Research for the Ms. Foundation even though the economy has improved over that time.
- The desire for a stronger economic role for government is particularly strong among women, 62 percent of whom support this view – a 7 percent increase over 2010 – compared with 29 percent who support the idea that government does more harm than good.
- Sixty-two percent of Americans agree that the government should focus on creating jobs, even if it means increasing the deficit in the short-term. Overall agreement with this position has increased by six points since 2010.
- The poll shows strong concern that fiscal belt-tightening will come at the expense of families and children. Nearly half (49 percent) say they would be extremely or very concerned if Congress—in its efforts to reduce the federal budget deficit—significantly cut spending on government programs that help families and children. Another third (34 percent) would be somewhat concerned, and only one in six would not be concerned (16 percent). These concerns are particularly high among women, 55 percent of whom would be extremely or very concerned if spending for children and families was cut significantly.
The poll’s findings bolster the view that the president needs to exhibit greater leadership in supporting the needs of those who are suffering and that large-scale budget slashing is neither economically nor politically expedient. It also indicates that American support for the economic role of government is growing just as policy makers on both sides of the aisle are reducing that role.
“These findings fly in the face of what we’re hearing every day from politicians in Washington about deficit reduction and the role of government,” says Anika Rahman, president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation. “Most Americans see government as critical to helping the economy grow and families succeed. They are clearly concerned that the deficit-cutting mood on Capitol Hill will come at the expense of children and families.”
For more information on the poll findings, click here. To set up interviews with representatives from the Ms. Foundation or Lake Research Associates contact Amy Saltzman at 301-656-0348;
asaltzman@thehatchergroup.com or Irene Schneeweis at 212-709-44i8;
ischneeweis@ms.foundation.org.
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The Ms. Foundation for Women is the leading national social justice foundation committed to building women’s power to ignite change. Every day, it helps over 150 grassroots organizations across the U.S. fight for changes like good paying jobs, reproductive health, ending violence against women and girls and the inclusion of women at decision-making tables. By investing in social justice trailblazers—especially women from low-income communities and communities of color most affected by our country’s most pressing problems—it works for a nation in which power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, or any other factor. The Ms. Foundation delivers funding, builds skills and connects activists with allies to create change that benefits women, families and communities. Since 1973, the Ms. Foundation has invested over $50 million and influenced other funders to support solutions from the ground up.
ms.foundation.org
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