- Majorities are hearing about Build Back better and continue to support it, even when including tax proposals.
- While inflation remains a top concern, intensity of concern about gas prices and the cost of groceries is declining.
- Democratic policies to combat inflation – especially on healthcare costs – are seen as “very effective.”
Jobs & the Economy and the Pandemic Remain Top Priorities for Americans, But They Want a Focus on the Economy
Majorities say “jobs and the economy” (55%) and the pandemic (54%) are top priorities for Biden and Congress; 59% say they see Biden and Congress focusing on the pandemic, though just 31% say the same of the economy.
Since December, There Has Been a Slight Uptick in Economic Optimism at National and Personal Levels
On personal finances, there has been a 5-point decline in the share of independents who are “uneasy” (from 60% to 55%) and a 9-point drop in unease among Republicans (from 69% to 60%).
Nearly Three in Five Are Hearing About Biden and Democrats’ New Economic Legislation
However, majorities of both economically persuadable Americans (55%) and independents (57%) report hearing not much or nothing at all about the new economic legislation.
Groups Less Familiar With Biden and Democrats’ Economic Plan Are Women, Younger, Independents
Women under 55 and independents are less likely to have heard about the new economic legislation (43% each).
Support Remains High for Build Back Better Plan
Nearly half of independents (48%) and 39% of Republicans support the plan.
Plans to Pay for Build Back Better – Including Taxing the Rich and Corporations – Maintains Majority Support of the Plan
Since December, there has been an 11-point net increase in support for Build Back Better when pay-fors are included, with a majority of independents (51%) supporting the plan when framed by these proposals.
Three in Five Remain “Very Concerned” About Inflation
Concerns remain bipartisan: 48% of Democrats, 58% of independents, and 68% of Republicans all remain “very concerned” about the rate of inflation over the coming months.
Democrats Retain Economic Strengths on Looking Out for Working People, Less So on Inflation
Biden and the Democratic Party have 4-point trust advantages on “looking out for people who work for a living” and “the cost of living for working families,” though Republicans hold leads on “rebuilding the economy,” “inflation,” and “getting the rising costs of everyday goods” under control.
While Everyday Costs and Gas Prices Are Pain Points, Views on Them Have Improved Since November
There has been an 8-point decline in the share who say the cost of groceries is going up “a significant amount” since November; on gas prices, there has been an 11-point decline in the share saying prices are going up “a lot.”
Of a Range of Policies, Banning Surprise Bills and Allowing Medicare To Negotiate Drug Prices Are Rated “Very Effective”
Among persuadables, banning surprise medical bills and lowering prescription drug costs are seen as most effective.
About The Study
This release features findings from national online surveys of 1,000 registered voters conducted January 6-10, 2022. Additional interviews were conducted among 101 Hispanic voters, 100 African American voters, 101 independents without a partisan lean, and 79 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.