Press ReleaseAugust 1, 2019

Americans Blame Big Government for Economic Problems

More than half of all Americans think cutting government spending would be good for the health of the economy

Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2019)—Americans are happy with the country’s booming economy, but what do they think could make the economy even better? New polling data from the Job Creators Network/ScottRasmussen.com Weekly Pulse reveals that 56 percent of Americans think an excess of government spending is holding back America’s economic potential. 

Other findings shed light on respondents leaning towards more financially sound government policy.  The data shows that 59 percent of people think cutting budget deficits is better for the long-term health of the economy. Meanwhile , 41 percent—a plurality—think cutting government regulations would boost economic progress, compared to 32 percent who think additional regulations would lead to a better economy; 27 percent were not sure.

“Americans are happy with the economy, but they think it could do even better,” said Elaine Parker, President of the Job Creators Network Foundation. “Thankfully, the current administration is hearing the public’s voice and pursuing a strong deregulatory agenda, though there’s room for progress in cutting government spending.”

This new data also shows that 55 percent of Americans rate the economy as either “excellent” or “good,” which is notably higher than the 51 percent who said the same last week.

Pollster Scott Rasmussen commented, “Economic optimism experienced an uptick this week, showing that Americans are responding well to our healthy economy. With the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates this week, our economy could grow even more, bringing economic confidence along for the ride.”

Economic polling questions are below:

How would you rate the U.S. economy today? Excellent (17%), Good (38%), Fair (28%), Poor (13%), Not sure (4%)

Is the economy getting better or worse? Better (37%), Worse (24%), About the same (33%), Not sure (6%)

Okay, how would you rate your own personal finances these days? Excellent (14%), Good (38%), Fair (30%), Poor (16%), Not sure (2%)

Are your personal finances getting better or worse? Better (35%), Worse (17%), About the same (44%), Not sure (3%)

Are companies in your area likely to be hiring new workers or laying off existing workers? Hiring new workers (46%), Laying off existing workers (19%), Not sure (35%)

For historic data on these economic questions visit: JCNPulse.com

Download full crosstabs of this week’s questions: https://polls.jcnf.org/app/uploads/2019/08/JCN-Crosstabs-July-29-30-2019.xlsx

This ScottRasmussen.com/HarrisX poll of 1,074 US adults was conducted July 29-30, 2019. For more information about the Job Creators Network please visit www.JobCreatorsNetwork.com