- “Jobs and the economy” remains the top priority for a majority of Americans, but only three in ten see Biden and Congress as focused on it.
- Concerns about inflation remain high as two in three say the price of gas is going up “a lot.”
- Support remains strong for Biden’s economic plan: reading proposals in the plan also increases trust in Biden and Democrats to handle inflation and rising costs, as well as perceptions Biden has kept campaign promises.
The Economy and Pandemic Continue to Be Top Priorities, Though Fewer See Biden and Congress Focused on Economy
Majorities say “jobs and the economy” (52%) and the pandemic (49%) are top priorities for Biden and Congress, though just 31% say they see Biden and Congress focusing on jobs and the economy.
Americans Remain Pessimistic on the Current and Future State of the National Economy
On a separate question, a majority say they feel “uneasy” about their personal financial situation (53%) while just 42% say they feel “confident.”
Majorities Remain Concerned About Inflation and Gas Prices
Since early January, there has been a 3-point increase in the share who say they are “very concerned” about the rate of inflation in the coming months and a 4-point increase in the share who say gas prices are going up “a lot.”
Three in Five Continue to Support Biden’s Economic Agenda With and Without Plans to Pay for the Bill Included
Support for Biden’s economic plan among independents has risen by 7 points (+15 to +22) since January 10th.
Medicare Negotiating Lower Drug Prices & Taxing the Rich Are Top Reasons to Support Biden’s Plan
Lowering health insurance premiums and making childcare more affordable are the top reasons among economically persuadable Americans.
On Inflation and Rising Costs, Biden and Democrats Make Strides After Americans Read Proposals in New Economic Plan
On rising costs, Biden and Democrats gain net +10 (from -1 to +9) and net +6 on inflation (from -7 to -1).
Passing New Economic Plan Moves Needle on Perception Biden Is Keeping Campaign Promises
Independents become more likely to agree Biden has kept his campaign promises if his economic plan is passed (from 45% to 51%) while intensity of keeping his promises improves by 17 points among Democrats (from 35% to 52%) and 16 points among Black Americans (from 35% to 51%).
Seven in Ten Americans Agree Corporate Greed Is A Cause For Rising Costs and Inflation
Two in three independents agree corporations being greedy and raising prices to make record profits is a cause of inflation (67%), including nearly half who say it is a “major” cause (45%).
About The Study
This release features findings from national online surveys of 1,000 registered voters conducted January 20-24, 2022. Additional interviews were conducted among 100 Hispanic voters, 100 African American voters, 100 independents without a partisan lean, and 75 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.
