Only 20% Think Government Anti-Poverty Programs Really Work
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Americans increasingly believe government anti-poverty programs cause more poverty in this country.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults now think government programs increase the level of poverty in the United States, while just 20% say they decrease the problem. Nearly as many (19%) say the programs have no impact. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
This marks a steady increase in the number of those who think the programs cause more of the problem they’re supposed to solve – from 43% last September to 45% in April to 49% now.
There’s a noticeable partisan difference of opinion on this question, however. While 68% of Republicans and 60% of adults not affiliated with either major political party think government programs increase the level of poverty in America, just 20% of Democrats agree.
[ Democrats: The Welfare Party ]
Last fall, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 14.3% of Americans fall below the federal poverty line, the highest number of people living in poverty since the estimates first became available in 1959. But a new study that takes a closer look at the Census Bureau numbers finds that many of those the federal government says are living in poverty have a decent place to live, adequate food on the table and two color TVs, among other amenities, and most Americans don't regard that as being poor.
In fact, 71% now believe that the bigger problem with the welfare system in the United States is that there are too many overqualified recipients getting benefits.
The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 16-17, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
A plurality (47%) of adults agree with the statement that “some people support government programs to fight poverty because it’s easier than getting personally involved.” Twenty-seven percent (27%) disagree with the statement, but another 26% are not sure.
Fifty percent (50%) of Republicans and 58% of unaffiliated adults agree with the statement. Democrats are almost evenly divided on the question.
Yet while U.S. voters believe church and community volunteer work is more important than politics when it comes to being a good citizen, they have slightly more faith in the government as an avenue for change. Forty-three percent (43%) of voters say new government programs and policies are more likely than volunteer activities and organizations to bring about the change needed in the country. Thirty-nine percent (39%) disagree and have more confidence in volunteerism.
Men are more skeptical about government anti-poverty programs than women are. While 55% of whites and 44% of adults of other races think the programs increase poverty in this country, a modest plurality (40%) of black voters feel that they decrease the number who are poor.
Those who earn over $60,000 per year are much more critical of the effectiveness of the programs than those who earn less. Government workers have more faith in the programs than those who work in the private sector do.
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of voters now think that thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government as the nation searches for solutions to the budget crisis.
Florida and Missouri have already passed measures that require some form of drug testing during the welfare application process, with Florida now requiring all applicants to be tested. A majority of voters nationwide agree with automatically testing all welfare applicants for illegal drug use.
Fifty-five percent (55%) of Americans say the government should require those who receive food stamps to work.
At the same time, Americans are now less convinced than they have been at any time during the Obama presidency that it's still possible for anyone in this country to work their way out of being poor. But when it comes to job creation and improving the overall economy, voters think tax cuts will work better than more government spending or government jobs creation programs.
Most Americans believe there is more poverty in the United States today than 10 years ago. But 61% also think that if immigration laws were enforced, there would be less poverty in the country.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/august_2011/only_20_think_government_anti_poverty_programs_really_work |
